It’s True: No One Cares If You Don’t Drink Alcohol at Business Events
I asked. Here are the answers.
I’ve become a bit obsessed with this particular topic. After seeing several articles and responses here where people suggest they have been passed over for jobs, been left out of after-work drinks, and been pressured by co-workers to explain why they’re not drinking, I wanted to dig a little deeper.
I’m not in the corporate culture and never have been, but my husband is. So I have been to events and heard about the many he has been to.
Sounds like a big frat party to me, especially the week-long conventions.
I was curious how sober folk handle these situations.
After posting a couple of questions on Twitter, I was pleasantly surprised to find the majority of people said they told their bosses and co-workers the truth and received support, respect, or disinterest.
People don’t care unless you’re threatening their way of life.
Here are the questions I asked along with some of the answers:
Twitter question with responses about drinking in corporate settings. https://twitter.com/JesusIsMyHabit/status/1669104581387714563
“I never told my work people I was sober. I just said I don’t drink and I didn’t like it. Most respected that and didn’t seem to care. A few times they pressed it and I said it just makes me feel bad.”
“A good question, Sarah. I quit some years ago. Even early on, if people asked why I didn’t drink, most times I would tell them that I’m an alcoholic. I never knew when that testimony could help someone else. To my knowledge, it never back fired.”
“I have said it before but I jokingly say ‘I have drank more than anyone in this room in my lifetime so i’m good.’”
“The only people who notice or care what you are drinking at a work event are people with issues themselves .. I tell people I am allergic “I end up breaking out in handcuffs” .. they either laugh and we move on or they walk away .. I am good with both”
“I don’t tell them why I quit drinking. That’s none of their business. I tell them that I don’t drink. Period. Have never been challenged in 33 sober years in business.”
“By God’s grace, I have been surrounded by bosses who not only accepted my non-drinking, but actually respected it.”
“I remember I was often not invited for after work drinks after stopping, also I myself decided I don’t wish to go watching everyone get drunk, only on an occasion if it was for a friend’s celebration etc I’d go.”
“I was so anxious for my first event. But I took my alcohol drink tickets as they were given to me as I walked in. Tucked them in my pocket and got a Diet Coke from the bar. Nobody asked with a drink in my hand…”
“Great question, for years I struggled with this and it caused me and my family a lot of pain. I blew it up in my mind I thought I had to do it to be successful. In truth nobody cared. We are the ones with the obsession. Today I just say no thanks I’m not drinking tonight.”
“No. It’s not a struggle because I simply do not attend. No matter what. Everyone knows I won’t be there. Some know why. Just make any excuse — if you’re not rock solid, just don’t go.”
“I tell them that I stopped because drinking is not healthy. I drink NA beer or mocktails at corporate events and no one seems to care.”
There were many other great responses, but the overwhelming majority said they simply stated they don’t drink anymore or even that they’re an alcoholic.
The overwhelming response to honesty was support and respect.
It’s encouraging to see that we don’t have to be scared about standing out or being different. We don’t have to worry about what people will think of us or if we’ll be rejected.
The vast majority simply don’t care.
Go be sober. Be secure in your choice.
If you want to read the rest of the responses, click here or below.
Twitter question with responses about drinking in corporate settings. https://twitter.com/JesusIsMyHabit/status/1669104581387714563
