Think invited to a work do but not sure - help?

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abc123
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15 Sep 2011, 2:37 pm

I am taking over someone's temp job as a temp. She is going for a 2 hour lunch with 10 people tomorrow. It is 12.30 and I work 9-2 She has not specifically invited me. Do you think I am invited?! Surely she couldn't not invite me? She seems otherwise friendly :scratch:
It looks like everyone else is going but I've only overheard her talking about it. I like to know stuff like this as have to know whether to take lunch or to have money ready or plan my time and know when I am finishing work - I would have to stay later.



Willard
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15 Sep 2011, 2:44 pm

I would never assume anything without a direct invitation, but its probably a good idea to be prepared, just in case. If its just a farewell celebration for the person who's leaving, they may be expecting you to stay behind and answer phones while they're gone.

I always tried to politely decline when coworkers did things like that. Sitting around socializing with a group of people most of whom I don't really know (or care to), when I have more constructive things I could be accomplishing just makes me anxious and irritable. Of course not participating in their cliquish ritual makes them think you're being intentionally rude, or at least cold and aloof. Ironically, if you go, they'll ignore you the whole time and chat merrily with each other, just like they do back at work. :roll:



abc123
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15 Sep 2011, 2:51 pm

Thanks. I will be prepared either way. I just hate not knowing in advance :roll:



safffron
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15 Sep 2011, 3:06 pm

Is it a farewell lunch? Since you haven't been specifically invited, I would reason that you haven't been invited, even if she is friendly to you. Sure, be prepared for either eventuality.

If they include you and you really want to go, great. If they don't, please don't take it personally, and I mean that.



Willard
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16 Sep 2011, 7:15 pm

So...how did it work out?



abc123
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17 Sep 2011, 3:14 am

My new line manager asked if I wanted to go and I said yes. When everyone was about to leave the girl looked at me with a look of are you coming along now-but never said anything to invite me! (that I noticed :? )

When we got back my line manager sent me home so didn't have to work the hours back from the lunch, which hadn't even occurred to me.

I didn't want to share the bill as I spent £5 on dips, didn't really know people there, and everyone else about £12 on something more substantial so the consultant offered to pay mine and not sure if I just walked into some social minefield.



Willard
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17 Sep 2011, 9:11 pm

:? I can see how it probably felt that way, but I doubt it. Neurotypical people often do things like that without a second thought. Anyhow, the party girl is gone now, so it doesn't matter any more. Sounds like you did fine. By Monday everybody will be on to other things and the whole lunch will be a distant memory. :D