My Wallet is Two Sizes Too Small
At the risk of sounding like an absolute scrooge, I really dislike this time of year. Oh, I like the lights, the decorations, the eggnog. What I dislike is the forced cheer and socialization with people that you may not know or care to -- your co-workers.
The holidays always strikes fear in my heart. It is a difficult time. For those of us who are able to make a clear distinction between friends and co-workers, the looming gift swap is a nightmare. Whether or not the swap is stated as a voluntary affair, we know that is a lie. To not participate is to open yourself up to scrutiny and gossip.
Like many, my financial status is up and down. There have been years where spending even $20 on a relative stranger would have been a bit of a hardship. And quite honestly, I would rather spend that $20 on a complete stranger: either a Knitty Secret Pal or by giving a donation to the cause of my choice. If I do not exchange gifts with friends and the bulk of my family, why would I wish to do so with co-workers?
This extends beyond the holidays into life events such as marriage and childbearing. Again, we are tethered by the workplace, but does that automatically command my attendance and gift at a baby shower?
Years ago, I started a temp assignment in New Orleans. To make me feel "part of the office", I was invited to a baby shower for a most unpleasant woman. I knew that lack of attendance would forever brand me an outsider and make me the target of the snide whisperings of this group of women. I also knew that I had a limited budget, but the workplace exerts the most unusual pressure.
For nearly every day of the work year, one is condemned for socializing (be it personal email, personal phone calls, or "excessive socialization" with co-workers), and then on this one day, we are to come together, bearing gifts? Count me out.
The holidays always strikes fear in my heart. It is a difficult time. For those of us who are able to make a clear distinction between friends and co-workers, the looming gift swap is a nightmare. Whether or not the swap is stated as a voluntary affair, we know that is a lie. To not participate is to open yourself up to scrutiny and gossip.
Like many, my financial status is up and down. There have been years where spending even $20 on a relative stranger would have been a bit of a hardship. And quite honestly, I would rather spend that $20 on a complete stranger: either a Knitty Secret Pal or by giving a donation to the cause of my choice. If I do not exchange gifts with friends and the bulk of my family, why would I wish to do so with co-workers?
This extends beyond the holidays into life events such as marriage and childbearing. Again, we are tethered by the workplace, but does that automatically command my attendance and gift at a baby shower?
Years ago, I started a temp assignment in New Orleans. To make me feel "part of the office", I was invited to a baby shower for a most unpleasant woman. I knew that lack of attendance would forever brand me an outsider and make me the target of the snide whisperings of this group of women. I also knew that I had a limited budget, but the workplace exerts the most unusual pressure.
For nearly every day of the work year, one is condemned for socializing (be it personal email, personal phone calls, or "excessive socialization" with co-workers), and then on this one day, we are to come together, bearing gifts? Count me out.
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