Thanksgiving is over, Christmas is quickly approaching and with it the end of the year in sight. This is the time of year that folks loosen up to throw back a few drinks with their co-workers...tighten back up for reviews...and hope for promotions, raises, bonuses...or with the way the economy is going, just keeping their job.
This holiday season will be an interesting one in the workplace. In additions to layoffs, companies have been finding other ways to cutback on their expenses...many opting to cut holiday bonuses, promotions, new hiring, and holiday parties!
In my short tango with corporate America (5 years) I've seen everything from lavish, black tie parties all the way to "you call this a party?" type of parties. I can imagine that this holiday season will produce more of the latter. Nevertheless, it's important to remember a few things as you partake in the festivities:
1. Don't get drunk. Yes, free liquor is fantastic...but getting sloppy drunk, acting a fool, and having to see the same people 5 days a week for the next, however long you work there, isn't a good look. It's not Vegas. What happens at the party doesn't stay at the party. I have some funny stories from seeing co-workers, namely bosses, get sloppy drunk and act out. Yes, it was funny at the time (because it wasn't me. lol...) but in the long run it made it hard to look at them the same and respect them.
2. Dress appropriately. Of course you want to step in the room and stunt...but try to tame it down a bit. These are your co-workers and they don't need to know the ins and outs of your cleavage or the curve of your butt.
3. You are the company you keep. If you're able to bring a guest please exercise some caution. Anyone that you bring around is going to be a direct reflection of you...and you don't want to be known as the one that brought the crazy lush with you.
In regards to having your review (be it quarterly or yearly) make sure you keep this in mind:
It's December and you have 11 months behind you to account for. Don't mysteriously get amnesia because I'm sure your employer won't. Take an honest look at what you've done this past year. Focus on your pros, ways to fix your cons, and go into your meeting prepared. It's always nice to take the time to write some stuff down because you want to be prepared with whatever your employer throws your way. Also, it shows that you care and with the economy being in the black abyss (and forecasted to stay there for a while) you want to protect your job.