office holiday party - annoyed and need advice

Hi everyone - I don't post on here too often, but I could really use some advice.

My office is having a holiday party - which the employees have to pay for themselves. $120/person (this covers the support staff - so it would pay for me and would contribute to the support staff "gift" i.e. they go to the party for free).

I started this job in April so this is my first holiday party. Part of me feels bad for not wanting to go, but I think that is a LOT of money, especially at the holiday season. There are a million other ways i could/would spend $120.

I have never had to pay for holiday parties at my old jobs.

Am I being unreasonable, bratty, cheap, or anything else? Give me your honest opinions

Re: office holiday party - annoyed and need advice

I would NOT go. That is outrageous. Heck, I think $50 a person for DH's holiday party is too much.

I'd much rather spend $120 on a hundred other things during the holiday season.

Re: office holiday party - annoyed and need advice

Wow, I think that is a lot. I've never paid for a holiday party, and last year when $ was tight at work, they just had the party at work catered, rather than renting out a place. The holidays are so busy, I would just say you have a family event that you can't miss that night.

Re: office holiday party - annoyed and need advice

i think that is unreal! that is so much money especially around the holidays when money get tight for everyone.

I agree with another poster and say that you have a family function and you won't be able to make it

Re: office holiday party - annoyed and need advice

Thank you for your responses. I really do think it's a lot, and being put in this position kind of irks me. I don't want to look like a scrooge (especially b/c I'm pretty new to the office), but i think this is a bit much.

In all honesty, I am also a little put off by the fact that we have to pay for our own party. I have been in the work force for a few years but this is a new one for me.

I'd still love to hear more opinions!

Message edited 11/7/2010 6:31:00 PM.

Re: office holiday party - annoyed and need advice

One of the big investment banks DH worked at did this. The analysts paid one amount and the amount increased as seniority did. It totally annoyed him, but skipping it was really frowned upon and he really felt pressured to go. Maybe feel out some of your co-workers and see how it would go over if you didn't go.

Re: office holiday party - annoyed and need advice

I would be so annoyed!! Never heard of having to chip in for a holiday party. Dont they budget for things like that? I wouldn't go.

Re: office holiday party - annoyed and need advice

Re: office holiday party - annoyed and need advice

That's not a holiday party that's a fundraiser!

I would skip it!

Re: office holiday party - annoyed and need advice

I think you are completely right in your annoyance. That is a lot of money to expect and yes, a lot of companies have these events for free.

That being said, I think you need to see if it is an unspoken mandatory event. You don't want to get some kind of black mark on your career because you were the only ones not there, petty yes, but sometimes these things happen.

Good luck, if you do have to go, hopefully you will at least get good food and drinks!

Re: office holiday party - annoyed and need advice

$120?????? FOR WHAT???? That is insane!!! Especially with the economy we are in now. And this is so other people (who I assume make less) can go free! Sorry that would NOT be ok with me. I would not go.

I always love that these things include open bar. My opinion is if you really want to get that drunk do it on your on dime not mine. Especially at an office party, do you really want to get that wasted. I don't go to end of the year parties anymore. We stopped holiday parties, no one would go.

Re: office holiday party - annoyed and need advice

yikes.....i would pass...that is too much money....especially around holiday time....i can't believe your company would think that amount is reasonable....way too much in my opinion...our xmas party is free...i hate going even though it is free, if it was 120, i would be livid.

i also understand what you say, being new...i passed on our company picnic the first year b/c i was still kinda new, it just makes things uncomfortable, i'd pass, maybe next you you will feel like going and the price is worth it, right now, no, pass.

Re: office holiday party - annoyed and need advice

I think to answer I'd need more info. What type of position do you hold? Are you upper management? Will your presence be missed? Will your "position" be improved if you attend? Where is the event being held? IMO $120 p/p (are spouses invited too?) is extremely high to pay for a standard holiday party. The most I ever paid was $40 to attend a holiday party at the marriot.

Re: office holiday party - annoyed and need advice

Message edited 11/7/2010 7:47:31 PM.

Re: office holiday party - annoyed and need advice

Re: office holiday party - annoyed and need advice

unless i was raking in mucho dinero, that's nuts

Re: office holiday party - annoyed and need advice

Re: office holiday party - annoyed and need advice

Re: office holiday party - annoyed and need advice

Re: office holiday party - annoyed and need advice

All I can say is that is some ballz to charge you that much for a so called holiday party!!

Shouldn't the company be footing the bill to thank their employees for a year of hard work?

If the company is in hard times and can't afford a holiday party they shouldn't have one.

Most people would rather not go anyway and just feel pressured.

I would say that I can't afford to spend that much during the expensive holiday season and call it a day.
Maybe they'll get the hint.

Re: office holiday party - annoyed and need advice

Re: office holiday party - annoyed and need advice

If you have to pay then it's not a party. Sorry. They should just not have it.

Re: office holiday party - annoyed and need advice

At my job we have two holiday parties. One is company wide that is paid for by the board of directors (sit down 3 course lunch @ resteraunt). Each office then has their own party which averages $7PP. At DH's job, the company party is held at a catering hall, on a Saturday night. $25pp, buffet dinner, open bar, DJ, dancing the works.

IMHO - $120 is outrageous.

Re: office holiday party - annoyed and need advice

we haven't had a holiday party in 2 years. We used to have tremendous ones but the economy sucks frankly.

I would say you have a previous commitment but honestly, I think you should offer to contribute something to the support staff "gift"..whatever it is.

Do you have your own asst?

Re: office holiday party - annoyed and need advice

Thank you all for the advice. I'm glad I am not the only one who thinks this is a little ridic I am almost sure I will not be going.

ETA - I have my own secretary and had planned on giving her a gift on my own.

Message edited 11/7/2010 8:55:08 PM.