So I went on this team building sailing thing with my Co-Workers the other day. First off it was cold and I don’t do well in the cold. I knew I would be bundled up bearing it out sipping my beer. I even predicted this and told my boss, who was planning the event. I said it more in a ha ha way, but I was being serious at the same time. I don’t like going to the Beach nor really on the water here as it is ALWAYS cold. Bon Fires on the Beach? Better ask someone else to go. It was very cold and wet on the boat. I got soaked a few times when I was on deck. I may not have been smiling, but I held my own. Just because I am not smiling doesn’t mean I am having a bad time. I may not be having a good time, but I am holding my own.

But I am a trooper. I will bear it out and not complain. So we get on the boat and all is OK. It’s cold, but I am bundled up. An 17 yr old girl joins us (friend of someone helping to sail the boat) and there is like 5 guys in their mid 20’s. It was like they were back in High School again. My biggest peeve is making anyone feel uncomfortable. And they were going on about her in front of her. I suppose it’s innocent fun, but I didn’t like it. Then they were making fun of 2 married co-workers who happened to be sitting off talking and watching the water. Seriously they kept laughing at them and saying stuff like “John and Jane sitting in a tree…” The 17 yr old even made a comment on how they remind her of the boys in her school. There were a few other moments…including one where I think someone thought better than to let out the full sentence of “Hey Bob’s a (Pole climber)”.

So no thte greatest of times with multiple utterances of “Bob you look so Cold”. Um cuz I AM! Dumbasses! I dunno. I feel like I was the wet sack of the bunch and incapable of being myself around my co-workers and enjoying myself and having a good time. I also support these folks as an admin (they are all peers) and for the most part most these folks annoy me…I like them but I don’t like adminning for them sometimes.

Sorry this is long, I feel bad. Like I was the one with attitude etc. I didn't really do anything wrong, but I really don't want to be seen as the guy with a terrible attitude and an asshole.

sounds like you sucked it up and went...it's not like you sat there bitching or anything. I get that way too with "office party" type deals.

Every year the week or so before Christmas the company has a shop party, munchy type food, beer, drinks in the shop after work (I work for a construction company). I don't drink, I don't enjoy being around large groups of people smoking, and for the most part I have nothing in common with most of the guys that work for the company. I've gone to several in the 10 years I've worked there, but the last few years I've just skipped out. I'm just not comfortable in that environment

Yeah...so my post is long and rambling, but I empathize with you. The high school behavior etc would have driven me up a wall too.



typos, typos, and more typos
[Edited 9/28/07 19:18pm]

Hey Bob. Hey Gretch.

You sound so much like me bob. I can't fake the funk when I am not having a good time. I also don't have to be smiling when I am enjoying myself. I'll be at a concert and sitting down the whole time and folx around me will swear i'm being a wet blanket. Don't sweat this. seems like the folx around you were being juvenile.

Next time, it would be better for you to stay home. I hate cold and wet and I would not have been as nice as you were.

I hate team building!!! Who the hell came up with that? That program came and went years ago where I work.....we've progressed to some other expensive new age nonsense.
Here's an old fashioned concept: JUST SAY NO!

just give them the first episode of the REAL version of The Office and tell them that's how they made you feel; artificial and mean.

EskomoKisses said:

Thanks for that. Not sure what I was looking for in this post. Just a little vent I guess. I do feel bad as I didn't want to displease my favorite boss or seem that way around her. I feel as though I let her down in a way.

Thanks for the kind words.

Lothan said:

Yeah, I think next time I might just skip it or HAVE to take a day off or something.

thanks

Was I out of Line?

I do not think so hun

superspaceboy said:

Exactly, you should skip it if you don't want to go.
In life, you can choose your friends but not your co-workers, right.

I only hang out with some of my co-workers as I consider them my friends, but I've only been on a team building trip once in the last ten years.

superspaceboy said:

well this doesn't sound like a team-building event at all ... those guys were out of line and maybe even your boss for not telling they were.

I don't think you were.