Mismatch in work culture, what should I do?
Hi all, seeking some advice on work. Im a 23F who has just landed my first job in a consulting firm. I have interned in other consulting firms before and have friends and family working in this field so I am generally aware of the normal culture of consulting aka working till late occasionally and possibly networking with clients and prospective clients etc.
My current job, it doesn’t require me to stay till late to finish up with work so far. Which is great. But my bosses expects us to stay and drink/play games, usually till 12am and sometimes up to 3-4am.
They say it’s important that we learn to bond with colleagues after work hours. Whenever I had to leave the office at 9pm or if i decline drinking alcohol, they would make side comments on why I had to leave early and why cant I drink just a little.
I’m just 3 months in this job and I am feeling so exhausted from my work interactions.
I feel that I’m not as close with my other colleagues as everyone always stays up in the office to play and drink with one another while I’m leaving early, their conversation would continue on the next day and no one would bother to fill me in on the details.
Hoping to stay at least a year in this job but not sure how to navigate my life around the office now. Send help
No, I don’t want to go to a bar/restaurant, or any other activity in the evenings. My commute eats up enough of my time.
I’ve already made up my mind to say “no, I have other plans” if this rears its ugly head again, and if my boss pushes it and tries to make it even semi-mandatory, I’m going to request time and a half pay, since I’m non-exempt and a work activity has taken me away from my home. That should end the discussion.