SG worker questions after-work drinking culture after being forced to drink past midnight
SINGAPORE: Ask any striving corporate worker out there, and they will tell you that fitting in with colleagues and pleasing the bosses is perhaps just as hard as the job itself. It is worse for introverts. Unfortunately, it is part and parcel of working life, but one Singaporean recently challenged this online when he asked, "Can I refuse going to company parties or karaoke sessions?" In a post…
In Singapore, a corporate employee expressed frustration on Reddit's r/askSingapore about being pressured to drink alcohol after-hours at work. The individual recounted an incident where a manager forced them to attend a company dinner and karaoke session, with the boss insisting things were getting dull. The worker, who characterized themselves as outgoing and professional, was forced to remain standing and engage in the event well past midnight.
Despite not being shy or anti-social, this experience left them feeling uncomfortable and prompted them to seek advice on how to decline such invitations in the future without appearing unprofessional.
Many readers who had encountered similar situations offered suggestions on how to navigate these awkward scenarios. Some proposed inventing excuses such as claiming a stomachache or a partner waiting for them at home to receive food or medicine. Others suggested that portraying oneself as a caregiver for parents after work could be an effective response, as it would garner understanding and support from colleagues.
A third option was to claim an allergic reaction to alcohol, as this explanation would likely result in others respecting the individual's decision not to drink.
However, some readers believed that straightforwardness was the best approach. They advised the worker to attend the event, consume a drink or two, and then switch to soft drinks, explaining their inability to drink more due to health concerns. This strategy would demonstrate support for the group while also upholding their personal boundaries. If this method did not suit the individual, it was suggested that they might consider changing jobs, albeit with the caveat that the same issue may persist in a new workplace.
The consensus among online commenters was that the best course of action depended on the individual's personal preferences and tolerance for discomfort. Ultimately, the choice of how to handle these situations was left to the worker, with the understanding that their decision could reveal something about the company culture.
Written by urgent.news from The Independent Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
