Do I have to go to a team dinner after spending all day with my work team for an offsite?

[Anonymous]

I'm an introvert and spending 9 hours with people for an offsite, then 3 more for dinner, is exhausting. Do I have to go?

Yes

No

[SteveSmith1985]

Daaamn. That's excessive.

I'm afraid I work with a bunch of gruff guys with steel-toed boots, so I'm unfamiliar with the nuances of inter-office politics. This comes down to "social convention" (and the potential consequences of thwarting them).

I think it comes down to "what happens if you skip it". So it's going to depend a lot on your particular position in the 'organization'. Other considerations are: How big is the team? Will anyone else skip it? Is there anyone SPECIFIC who expects you there and will have a problem with you not being there?

Worst-case scenario: Let's say you skip it, and everybody who possibly could be offended, disappointed or whatever was super offended and upset you didn't show up? What personal and professional consequences might result. Then... it's how likely people are to actually care.

Just tell them you have "lady problems" and can't make it. Even women don't want to ask you to elaborate on "lady problems".

And worse case-scenario...