[Formershyguy]

I can't remember if I have worked anywhere where I was pressured to socialise outside of work. But I do recall at my last long term role, my boss who was a bit of a stress head made all of us walk to the big garage nearby to buy a cake for this girl who was leaving. And this we did in our lunch hour. It really didn;t need all 5 of us to go. I consider my lunch hour as my 'Me time'. Usually I will sit in my car eating my lunch or sometimes I will treat myself.

When I said to her, I was going to take my lunch the bitch shouted at me! And one guy who was a graduate made a joke. That annoyed me but I didn;t say anything. I mean I liked the girl who was leaving but all this woman had to do was go her bloody self to buy the cake.

Also the company where I quit, I noticed the girl who was training me, booked a team lunch. And I was a bit apprehensive about this as I said, my lunch is my time.

One company I worked for many years ago, was the first company I felt really comfortable to actually socialise with people from my team. Although when it came to going to clubs and dancing I would start to feel awkward.

The company I am at now. I was asked if I wanted to attend the Christmas party and i simply said I couldn't. And that seem fine. I mean I'm only a temp, its nice of them to ask but I just wouldn't feel comfortable. As it is I'm very quiet there and only speak if people start talking to me.

I mean as long as you can do your job, I don;t think it should be a requirement to get involved in social events. I like to keep work separate from the outside.