Socialising out of work - what's the score please?

[supa]

Me and hubbie have ran our own business for 13 years and whilst we have had various employees over the years, we never quite found the right person for the company. Therefore for a very long period of time he hasn't been able to socialise due to working ridiculous hours and being a project manager and therefore not always making friends when out on site and behind the scenes, as is the nature of the job, he has had quite a lonely existence. Outside of work he is a pretty good laugh actually, but I really do think that it's time he got out with people socially, preferrably people from the workplace. Here's the questions. He will probably be in a similar, quite senior role in Oz as it's what he knows and is trained for, but how welcomed into the fold of the rest of a workforce would he be? By that I mean is it very often the case that "rank" is left at work when socialising in Oz or is there always an us and them situation? Just wondering what peoples' experience is. Thanks

[Guest sh7t man no way]

 

Me and hubbie have ran our own business for 13 years and whilst we have had various employees over the years, we never quite found the right person for the company. Therefore for a very long period of time he hasn't been able to socialise due to working ridiculous hours and being a project manager and therefore not always making friends when out on site and behind the scenes, as is the nature of the job, he has had quite a lonely existence. Outside of work he is a pretty good laugh actually, but I really do think that it's time he got out with people socially, preferrably people from the workplace. Here's the questions. He will probably be in a similar, quite senior role in Oz as it's what he knows and is trained for, but how welcomed into the fold of the rest of a workforce would he be? By that I mean is it very often the case that "rank" is left at work when socialising in Oz or is there always an us and them situation? Just wondering what peoples' experience is. Thanks

pretty much the same as the uk supa--try not to mix business with pleasure--theres heaps of things of interest outside of work such as hobbies ect--best to find find friends with interests rather than work interests--mind you if a workmate has a similar interest outside of work the same as your other half--this may be the way to go

[supa]

Many thanks for your response. I think I was hoping it was a bit different as I've read lots of posts where people go for a drink after work on a Friday for example, which is what I always used to do in the last office I worked in years ago. I'd also read about the non-snobbery (word?!) and lack of class and everyone being the same and I didn't know if it extended to the workplace too? I think you are right in him having to get interests. Cos he's been in such a stressed working environment with the business, he's bloody unfit, so that's going to take some sorting too, so it'll have to be more spectator to start with! Cheers for your response

[pablo]

Hiya Supa

Cant really answer your question re oz and socialising,but it hasnt and wouldnt matter to me what position your oh held in any company if we were out for a scoop friday afternoon,he's getting ripped like the everyone else:mad::wink:,100%!,in fact he's probs getting ripped a bit more if he's management:biggrin::laugh:,if he cant take it, or uses any info he gets on said day out for ulterior motives he could put a top hat on and still limbo under a snakes belly as far as im concerned,works work,the alehouse is the alehouse,fifth columnists we dont need,but i doubt your oh's like that anyway:wubclub:

[Fox]

if he cant take it, or uses any info he gets on said day out for ulterior motives he could put a top hat on and still limbo under a snakes belly as far as im concerned

 

That sounds like most of the offices I've worked in here in the UK. :twitcy:

[pablo]

That sounds like most of the offices I've worked in here in the UK. :twitcy:

They'd be sussed out and slaughtered up here if they were that snide,and rightly so!

[supa]

Just trying to imagine hubbie being underhand at anything - he's very much a tell it as it is chap and doesn't get involved in politics. As long as everyone has the same attitude "he'll be right" I guess. I once worked in an office full of women and vowed never to again - he was appalled at my stories at just how up themselves some of them were and how downright nasty - not like blokes eh thank god?! I vowed I'd never work in an all-women environment again - sexist I know!

 

 

Hiya Supa

Cant really answer your question re oz and socialising,but it hasnt and wouldnt matter to me what position your oh held in any company if we were out for a scoop friday afternoon,he's getting ripped like the everyone else:mad::wink:,100%!,in fact he's probs getting ripped a bit more if he's management:biggrin::laugh:,if he cant take it, or uses any info he gets on said day out for ulterior motives he could put a top hat on and still limbo under a snakes belly as far as im concerned,works work,the alehouse is the alehouse,fifth columnists we dont need,but i doubt your oh's like that anyway:wubclub:

[JoandJon]

Sounds like he'll be fine Supa

Tell him to give it a go - Say yes to the first invite (or invite them out instead) and it will set the tone for the future.

 

(And if you start off buying a round it often makes the troops feel loved !)

[pablo]

Funny tho,one thing i dont want to start doing too much is going to other peoples houses to socialise Supa,i know it seems to happen quite often in oz,but i prefer to meet in the pub,not that ive hardly been to one the last 18 months:rolleyes:,but the pub beer garden would be my choice over someones hse,besides theres hardly any PIOers where im going anyway:smile:

[supa]

Sounds like he'll be fine Supa

Tell him to give it a go - Say yes to the first invite (or invite them out instead) and it will set the tone for the future.

 

(And if you start off buying a round it often makes the troops feel loved !)

 

How spooky me just responding to this thread.

 

Actually, it sounds obvious, but yes inviting them out instead is a pretty good idea - we'd have to get used to putting ourselves "out there" I guess. Scary. He's likely to get the first round in anyway - he's a softy really!

[supa]

Funny tho,one thing i dont want to start doing too much is going to other peoples houses to socialise Supa,i know it seems to happen quite often in oz,but i prefer to meet in the pub,not that ive hardly been to one the last 18 months:rolleyes:,but the pub beer garden would be my choice over someones hse,besides theres hardly any PIOers where im going anyway:smile:

 

Hiya Pablo! You'd always be welcome at ours you know, but yes, I like a good beer garden too although I don't know how popular that sort of thing is in Oz. Where you off to - have been away so lost track of everyone!

[JoandJon]

How spooky me just responding to this thread.

 

Actually, it sounds obvious, but yes inviting them out instead is a pretty good idea - we'd have to get used to putting ourselves "out there" I guess. Scary. He's likely to get the first round in anyway - he's a softy really!

 

Sounds like a plan - whereabouts are you guys heading? and what sort of stuff does the OH do?

[pablo]

Sounds like he'll be fine Supa

Tell him to give it a go - Say yes to the first invite (or invite them out instead) and it will set the tone for the future.

 

(And if you start off buying a round it often makes the troops feel loved !)

 

You honestly think the "troops" are that easily fooled? they must be a bit slower round your way than here

[pablo]

Hiya Pablo! You'd always be welcome at ours you know, but yes, I like a good beer garden too although I don't know how popular that sort of thing is in Oz. Where you off to - have been away so lost track of everyone!

 

Thanks Supa:wubclub:,sleepy little town called Victor Harbor,down south ,South Australia

[JoandJon]

It's just manners Pablo!!

 

I'll miss my lot when we move - and they buy me drinks just as often as I buy them

[pablo]

It's just manners Pablo!!

 

I'll miss my lot when we move - and they buy me drinks just as often as I buy them

 

 

No "i" know its manners,you posted about them "feeling loved" because of it?

The reality of a boss going for a beer with the troops isnt one of the boss gracing them with their presence,you might think that,but take it from me,its the other way round,they/we are doing a favour letting a boss come for a bevvy,its not like its the queen coming round for a jam butty is it?its just somebody with another job title,ie not such a big deal

[JoandJon]

You've taken me very literally, which was not my intention. Risk of the medium I suppose!

Should I replace 'loved' with appreciated? what word won't be misinterpreted?

 

Suppose it's ye olde difference between Men vs Women, not to worry, I know what I meant, and to be honest that's the most important thing at the end of the day

[supa]

We're off Mornington, Melbourne way and he's a Project Manager for building projects. Don't worry, I know what you meant about the "feeling loved bit". Pablo, don't be grumpy mate - reckon you've had more than your fair share of patronising bosses eh? Can't stand em. Hubbie certainly isn't a them and us type chap, but I've just been worried about colleagues being that with him. Natural born worrier me!

 

Pablo, that's still your plan then - good for you. I've always wanted to go to Southern Australia so I can definately see the attraction.

[pablo]

A lot will depend on where he's working etc and the attitude he takes to the team and what sort of bosses they've had before.

 

I'm a boss here in the UK and used to go out for a drink with the troops on a Friday, but I wouldn't stay late with them - but that was just 'cos I wanted to go to bed!! It's only since we moved to a village that I've stopped doing it regularly.

 

If he'd like to socialise outside of work I think he could give it a try - maybe have a plan to only stay for one or two (and makes sure the troops know this) and then leave them to it. It gives him a chance to be seen as a 'real person' by the guys/gals but also leaves them with time to whinge and moan about evil management after he's gone. So long as he sticks to the rule that I have always used 'what's said in the pub, stays in the pub'.

i.e. although he may hear stuff, make sure it doesn't appear as if he's using that information at work (although you often do use it, just be discreet about it)

 

THIS is why workers letting their boss go for a drink with them is dangerous,the highlighted.....so it doesnt stay in the pub then does it,THATS why i prefer drinking with the lads,bosses have to earn trust,if they have then sound,their just the same as me in the pub and get treated accordingly

[JoandJon]

Thanks supa - Mornington's lovely, I'm sure you'll both have a great time

 

To Mr. Grumpypants - I'm sorry you're having bad day, hope you feel better soon!

[pablo]

Thanks supa - Mornington's lovely, I'm sure you'll both have a great time

 

To Mr. Grumpypants - I'm sorry you're having bad day, hope you feel better soon!

 

I deleted my last post to save this carrying on,however seeing as you want to be sarky,re read your posts,i doubt im the only one who finds them condescending towards the "troops",self awareness is a great thing,have a nice day yourself:wubclub:

[Guest Andy]

I deleted my last post to save this carrying on,however seeing as you want to be sarky,re read your posts,i doubt im the only one who finds them condescending towards the "troops",self awareness is a great thing,have a nice day yourself:wubclub:

Calm down calm down :cute: mr grumpy pants :biglaugh:

[pablo]

Calm down calm down :cute: mr grumpy pants :biglaugh:

 

 

:mad:Wait till she sees your threads mate!:laugh::wink:,awww wtf,no harm done,the written word on its own can come across wrong,OR be misconstrued,i'l leave it at that:wubclub::wubclub:,dont like arguing with ladies,me being sexist AS WELL AS grumpy:tongue:

[Guest Andy]

:mad:Wait till she sees your threads mate!:laugh::wink:,awww wtf,no harm done,the written word on its own can come across wrong,OR be misconstrued,i'l leave it at that:wubclub::wubclub:,dont like arguing with ladies,me being sexist AS WELL AS grumpy:tongue:

You will do for me :yes: mr grumpy pants :cute: