Drinking with Co-workers

[RX86]

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Good or bad idea. Happy hours, nights on the town, or social dinners, what is your take? Good for being "liked", bad if you make a fool of yourself? Depend on your position? Job security? etc.

Happy Friday!

 

[Ackj]

Drinking is fine. Getting hammered is not. Glass of wine okay. Bottle of wine, no. Having a beer with dinner is good, funneling beers is not good.

 

[WVUPharm2007]

I don't consort with my coworkers at all. I already have friends. I go in...work...leave...

 

[PharmacistFl12]

I am the same wary. My coworkers know nothing about my personal life. I go to work and leave in a flash when my shift is over.

 

[bacillus1]

I see you're a resident. I think drinking with your co-residents is a good idea, as it gives you a chance to better get to know the people you are spending your whole year with. Plus, it relieves the stress you may experience during your residency. Drinking with your residency director is NOT a good idea.

 

[Pojman]

I don't consort with my coworkers at all. I already have friends. I go in...work...leave...

I think that this is the best point of view. At least, for me it is. I agree 100%.

 

[bw6]

I think that this is the best point of view. At least, for me it is. I agree 100%.

Sorry, but I have to disagree. Social opportunities like this are a great way to make friends and network. Sadly most jobs aren't about what you know but rather who you know. Go have a beer. Or two. Not five.
Getting to know people outside of work is how you form connections which can advance your career. Plus, we all have friends outside of work.. but why not make some new friends. Change is good. Being content is good as well, but someone who is content will be exactly where they are now in another 10 years. Live a little.

 

[Pojman]

Sorry, but I have to disagree. Social opportunities like this are a great way to make friends and network. Sadly most jobs aren't about what you know but rather who you know. Go have a beer. Or two. Not five.
Getting to know people outside of work is how you form connections which can advance your career. Plus, we all have friends outside of work.. but why not make some new friends. Change is good. Being content is good as well, but someone who is content will be exactly where they are now in another 10 years. Live a little.

Sorry, but I have to disagree. I have made many lasting business relationships that I can rely on that have never spilled over into the realm of friendship. I have business contacts/relationships that have lasted 10+ years where if I ever needed a job, it is only one phone call away. I have never had a single social venture with any of these people in my network. In fact, I have no idea who or what they are outside of work.

I have a wife, kids, and a huge extended family. I also have friends outside of work that I am very happy with. I just do not feel the need to socialize at work. I go in, get my work done, and get out. I build relationships at work based on reliability, productivity, and integrity. These things can often become muddied by personal relationships, especially productivity (at least that is my opinion).

 

[crazybob]

Sorry, but I have to disagree. I have made many lasting business relationships that I can rely on that have never spilled over into the realm of friendship. I have business contacts/relationships that have lasted 10+ years where if I ever needed a job, it is only one phone call away. I have never had a single social venture with any of these people in my network. In fact, I have no idea who or what they are outside of work.

I have a wife, kids, and a huge extended family. I also have friends outside of work that I am very happy with. I just do not feel the need to socialize at work. I go in, get my work done, and get out. I build relationships at work based on reliability, productivity, and integrity. These things can often become muddied by personal relationships, especially productivity (at least that is my opinion).

👍

There are things I would never share with a coworker no matter how long we work together.

After we have both quit working there, then maybe we can discuss it.

 

[rxblitzrx]

Good or bad idea. Happy hours, nights on the town, or social dinners, what is your take? Good for being "liked", bad if you make a fool of yourself? Depend on your position? Job security? etc.

Happy Friday!

I think it's fine. We started with a lot of people and it dwindled down to having happy hour with the few that you click well with. It keeps work interesting that you can share more than spreadsheets with each other.

 

[nafcillin]

I don't consort with my coworkers at all. I already have friends. I go in...work...leave...

Same. I'd rather just do my own thing. It sounds like torture to socialize with them. I already see them enough.

 

[bw6]

Sorry, but I have to disagree. I have made many lasting business relationships that I can rely on that have never spilled over into the realm of friendship. I have business contacts/relationships that have lasted 10+ years where if I ever needed a job, it is only one phone call away. I have never had a single social venture with any of these people in my network. In fact, I have no idea who or what they are outside of work.

I have a wife, kids, and a huge extended family. I also have friends outside of work that I am very happy with. I just do not feel the need to socialize at work. I go in, get my work done, and get out. I build relationships at work based on reliability, productivity, and integrity. These things can often become muddied by personal relationships, especially productivity (at least that is my opinion).

And if you are content with where you are, stay there. Some people like new people, new cities, new whatever..

So to address the OPs question, there is nothing wrong with socializing with coworkers. Just don't get drunk. If you have self control I can see very few bad things arising from a social outing while good things may certainly come of it. I understand segregating friends / work, but there is no real reason that you can't be friendly with coworkers and go to a happy hour.

You don't have to be their best friend. Get to know some new people, even if you have friends and family like most of us. Socialize, you might actually grow as a person from stepping outside of your comfort zone.

 

[Ackj]

Let me get this straight. Some of y'all work a 12-14 hour shift and don't make any conversation at all? Not mentioning your kid has a soccer game, your wife is making meatloaf for dinner, you're going to see a ballgame this weekend, etc. Every pharmacy I've been in, no matter how busy, had some conversation going on. Some of them were like a family, some just casual chit-chat, but everybody was at least sharing something. I really cannot believe what you are saying.

 

[njac]

I do it all the time. I moved across the country for this job, so at first I didn't know that many people outside of work.

 

[Sparda29]

Let me get this straight. Some of y'all work a 12-14 hour shift and don't make any conversation at all? Not mentioning your kid has a soccer game, your wife is making meatloaf for dinner, you're going to see a ballgame this weekend, etc. Every pharmacy I've been in, no matter how busy, had some conversation going on. Some of them were like a family, some just casual chit-chat, but everybody was at least sharing something. I really cannot believe what you are saying.

Agreed.

I can already imagine some of the people in this thread at my former jobs. They walk in, just give you a nod, and only talk to you when they have a question or something job-related. I hate working in that kind of atmosphere.

 

[Unchained]

Don't drink alcohol period. It is the most widely abused drug in America. There are many good reasons not to including cost, calories, liability and addiction.

 

[Kwiz]

Don't s*** where you eat.

 

[Kwiz]

Socializing at work is counterproductive for most people. Some people can multi-task in the pharmacy, others can but prefer not to, and others don't do it at all.

Years ago, I was working in a hospital as a tech and a pharmacist told me "I love being a pharmacist, I leave work and all I have to worry about is golf."

I don't care much for golf, but I can appreciate the point that he was making.

 

[chemtopharm]

I think it depends a lot on the culture at your place of business. If everyone there is relatively close and goes out sometimes, you may want to go out as well at least on occasion to help yourself assimilate. It may even be expected of you to fraternize a bit outside of working hours (for instance the dreaded Holiday Party). But yeah, don't get wasted, even if other people are.

On the other hand, if everyone at your job keeps to themselves and it's strictly work talk, don't bother trying to plan a happy hour!

When in Rome, right?

 

[lauradiddle]

I can already imagine some of the people in this thread at my former jobs. They walk in, just give you a nod, and only talk to you when they have a question or something job-related. I hate working in that kind of atmosphere.

👍

I have a great group of friends and family outside of work as well, but when I'm stuck with people for 8+ hours a day, I'd personally rather be with the ones who don't mind having some good conversations and doing the occasional happy hour. Just know to handle your liquor and don't take it too far.

 

[30Percent]

I've only spent time with coworkers outside of work at official events eg holiday party or end of the year hangout. I've never been invited co-worker's bday parties or get togethers.

 

[BenJammin]

Don't s*** where you eat.

That doesn't apply to what we're talking about. Either way, you guys are describing a work environment I want to stay away from. This whole "don't socialize with co-workers" thing is creepy to be honest.

 

[njac]

If you're married with a family, that's fine. Where I am, the majority of the pharmacists are young and not from here, so we have a good time together. Even overserved. It's an interesting group of friends, and a lot of them I might not be close with of we didn't work together, but we have fun.

 

[psychoandy]

If you're married with a family, that's fine. Where I am, the majority of the pharmacists are young and not from here, so we have a good time together. Even overserved. It's an interesting group of friends, and a lot of them I might not be close with of we didn't work together, but we have fun.

this thread is definitely surprising to me, in terms of the amount of "jobbers". i mean i get the whole "want to leave work at the workplace" mentality, and that some pharmacists may be awkward turtles, but some of these people seem like total misanthropes.

i don't really go out of my way to hang out with coworkers but i would totally get a beer with them. and i definitely get to know people who i share my workspace with, especially the ones in my age group...i thought that was part of being human and social.

edit: for the OP IMO it'd be weird if you DIDN'T go out drinking with your coresidents for shared camaraderie, etc. and re: drinking with your residency director, some of them are younger and can be chill, so i wouldn't rule it out; it really depends on your personalities.

 

[rxlea]

I think it's great to go out with coworkers. We've been to karaoke, parties, movies, dinner/drinks, etc. I have to agree with the above that it builds camaraderie. Just don't make an ass out of yourself.

I would hate it if I went in to work and no one talked to one another. Granted, there are days I'm not feeling talkative/social but we all know each other well enough by now that it doesn't mess things up. I am definitely closer to those I spend time with and I'll go out of my way for them at work. They do the same.

 

[gambit78]

depends on the coworkers...
I think of my hospital coworkers, in fact I developed a good working relationship with director enough to follow her to other workplaces and provide references, but I'd no way hang out with her nor other hospital coworkers, just too different interests and tastes. And we all have other friends/family anyways.

My main pharmacy the techs all did a get together outside work, primarily cuz one tech had just moved to town and knew nobody. I was glad they didn't ask me to join them because once again, not my crowd. I'm happy to share a lunch with them on occasion but that is it.

I was happy socializing at my previous pharmacy (had been there for six years) during breaktime/lunchtime. I did stuff with two coworkers outside work based on interest (one enjoyed theatre and the other we 'd go to comic book/sale events.) Just good times.

The drinking thing...I've seen many pharmacies here with Muslim employees. Not sure if you would ask them for a beer.

 

[Doctor M]

I cannot believe the people who say they dont converse or chit chat at work. When I worked at CVS, that is all i heard, Chit chat, gossip, who is screwing who, and who got fired blah blah blah. It made work interesting, made the day go by better! Today, we all go out once a month; we meet at the store, talk about issues and then we all have dinner. That is just part of our life. We converse and have certain relationships with people at work. We all bust each others balls, we scare, we tease, all in good fun.. Granted, working for a chain you have to be extremely careful, but there must be some grab assing going on somewhere...

 

[bw6]

Seems like there are way too many anti-social people in pharmacy. And the whole comment about don't drink alcohol period.. get off your high horse. Drinking alcohol is not bad for you if you do so responsibly. In fact, it has been proven to be quite good for you in moderation.

Don't drink period... jesus, get over yourself.

 

[joetrisman]

Seems like there are way too many anti-social people in pharmacy. And the whole comment about don't drink alcohol period.. get off your high horse. Drinking alcohol is not bad for you if you do so responsibly. In fact, it has been proven to be quite good for you in moderation.

Don't drink period... jesus, get over yourself.

IIRC, the benefits of alcohol are 2 drinks per day for men under 60 and then 1 drink per day for everyone else. This translates mostly into cardiovascular health benefits but has been shown in studies to be negated if people exercise regularly. So if you're doing what you're suppose to anyway, it really isn't good for you.

 

[crazybob]

Seems like there are way too many anti-social people in pharmacy. And the whole comment about don't drink alcohol period.. get off your high horse. Drinking alcohol is not bad for you if you do so responsibly. In fact, it has been proven to be quite good for you in moderation.

Don't drink period... jesus, get over yourself.

More like extremely selective socializing.

 

[nafcillin]

Too much gossip at my work. I dont share any personal stuff aside from inane things like what I am doing this weekend etc. I chit chat but nothing of substance and nothing personal. I have gotten bitten in the ass too many times.

My coworkers do things and don't invite me. Bitches

 

[Doctor M]

Too much gossip at my work. I dont share any personal stuff aside from inane things like what I am doing this weekend etc. I chit chat but nothing of substance and nothing personal. I have gotten bitten in the ass too many times.

My coworkers do things and don't invite me. Bitches

it is probably better that way!

 

[Pojman]

Don't drink alcohol period. It is the most widely abused drug in America. There are many good reasons not to including cost, calories, liability and addiction.

I think that this post has the most wisdom of all posts in this entire thread.

 

[WVUPharm2007]

Seems like there are way too many anti-social people in pharmacy. And the whole comment about don't drink alcohol period.. get off your high horse. Drinking alcohol is not bad for you if you do so responsibly. In fact, it has been proven to be quite good for you in moderation.

Don't drink period... jesus, get over yourself.

I don't drink alcohol because I have an extensive family history of addiction and because I don't have any interest in it. It's also empty calories. What kind of douchebag goes around being critical of someone that doesn't abuse an addicting drug? Ethanol would be a CIII, maybe a CII, if it had to go under the same categorization as other addicting drugs.

 

[nafcillin]

it is probably better that way!

Probably

 

[gambit78]

Seems like there are way too many anti-social people in pharmacy. And the
whole comment about don't drink alcohol period.. get off your high horse.
Drinking alcohol is not bad for you if you do so responsibly. In fact, it has
been proven to be quite good for you in moderation.

Don't drink
period... jesus, get over yourself.

Once again, sounds like no Muslims work at this posters' pharmacy or nor have they interacted with their non-Christian groups (if any)* Sounds intolerant to me.

*I'll count Mormons too.

 

[njac]

We have 2 Muslim pharmacists, and they gracefully decline invitations to the bar.

 

[All4MyDaughter]

Once again, sounds like no Muslims work at this posters' pharmacy or nor have they interacted with their non-Christian groups (if any)* Sounds intolerant to me.

*I'll count Mormons too.

It's not necessarily intolerant. I live in an area of the country where there are very few Muslims, period.

 

[WVUPharm2007]

Is it still considered intolerant if I think that everyone who thinks religions and their related deities (doesn't matter which specific one) are real is an idiot?

Except Ra worship. At least that **** kinda makes sense. I also appreciate the sun existing and what not.

 

[Kwiz]

That doesn't apply to what we're talking about. Either way, you guys are describing a work environment I want to stay away from. This whole "don't socialize with co-workers" thing is creepy to be honest.

It does apply. Definition 2 on Urban Dictionary, hellloooooo. Maybe it's a regional thing.

 

[bw6]

I don't drink alcohol because I have an extensive family history of addiction and because I don't have any interest in it. It's also empty calories. What kind of douchebag goes around being critical of someone that doesn't abuse an addicting drug? Ethanol would be a CIII, maybe a CII, if it had to go under the same categorization as other addicting drugs.

If you read my post, you would have clearly seen that I said drink RESPONSIBLY. Somehow you turned that into me being critical of people who don't ABUSE alcohol and went on to call me a douchebag.. Seems like you need to understand what people say before you choose to insult them. Once again, I said a beer or two. That is far from abuse.

And if you are trying to schedule ethanol, it is quite laughable that you use our current scheduling system. The same system that classifies cocaine as II and marijuana as I. Saying cocaine has more acceptable medical uses than marijuana (or any delta9-THC derivative) is almost as ignorant as calling someone a douchebag for saying it can be a good thing to socialize with alcohol if you do so responsibly.

Come on people, I know it's easy to toss around insults on the internet but at least understand the person before you start your rant.

Edit: and for your information, I understand just how addictive and destructive alcohol can be. It can also have some benefits IF USED RESPONSIBLY. This sounds familiar, oh yeah... it is just like half the drugs dispensed at pharmacies with a potential for addiction or misuse. You can't stop people from hurting themselves, you can merely inform them of the dangers (alcohol included) and hope that they make good decisions. Abstaining can be a good decision, drinking responsibly can be another...

 

[Unchained]

Bw6, telling someone to "get off their high horse" because they don't recommend using a drug which is very costly and destructive to our society and has no real benefits if used responsibly would probably qualify you as a douchebag. There were 190,000 er visits in 2008 by persons under age 21 for injuries as a result of alcohol use. There are also 5000 deaths per year of individuals under 21 as a result of drinking. Someday you may be a healhtcare professional and you will realize it's just not worth it. Just keep listening to the last line of your Anheuser Busch commercials and you'll be ok.

 

[bw6]

Still selectively reading my posts? I reiterate, "Abstaining can be a good decision, drinking responsibly can be another."

Assuming abstaining is the only good choice is being on a high horse. That is what I was pointing out. To assume that drinking responsibly is not another good decision is classifying casual drinkers with alcoholics. You quote plenty of statistic, none of which are relevant to my statements. How many of those people visiting hospitals were there because of responsible alcohol consumption. I'm willing to bet none.

Please review the meaning of the word responsible and tell me how people abusing alcohol fit that definition. So please inform everyone how awful it is to consume 1 or 2 beers like I said. You act as though I am somehow a proponent of binge drinking by saying casual or responsible drinking is an option.

 

[Unchained]

If it were possible to drink responsibly it certainly wouldn't be in ads for alcohol. It's like saying play with your loaded gun responsibly or smoke your heroin responsibly. Alcohol in any amount impairs your judgement. You wouldn't make the same decision as you would if it were not in your system. Why do you feel a need to drink?

 

[bw6]

If it were possible to drink responsibly it certainly wouldn't be in ads for alcohol. It's like saying play with your loaded gun responsibly or smoke your heroin responsibly. Alcohol in any amount impairs your judgement. You wouldn't make the same decision as you would if it were not in your system. Why do you feel a need to drink?

There is no need to drink, that much we can agree on. However, I also believe that 1 or 2 drinks is not problematic and certainly not equivalent to playing with firearms or using substances such as heroin. That is where our opinions differ apparently.

I respect if you choose not to drink alcohol, but please do not compare casual consumption to heroin use. It is disrespectful to the great number of people who enjoy an occasional beer. I clearly cannot change your opinion about 1 or 2 drinks not being problematic, but calling me a douchebag or comparing it to heroin use is just ridiculous and disrespectful to anyone who does drink beer. 👎

 

[Ackj]

If it were possible to drink responsibly it certainly wouldn't be in ads for alcohol. It's like saying play with your loaded gun responsibly or smoke your heroin responsibly. Alcohol in any amount impairs your judgement. You wouldn't make the same decision as you would if it were not in your system. Why do you feel a need to drink?

So now this guy's got a problem with firearms too...

 

[confettiflyer]

If it were possible to drink responsibly it certainly wouldn't be in ads for alcohol. It's like saying play with your loaded gun responsibly or smoke your heroin responsibly. Alcohol in any amount impairs your judgement. You wouldn't make the same decision as you would if it were not in your system. Why do you feel a need to drink?

Man you sound like a good time.

I drink with coresidents and other residents from nearby all the time...hell it wouldn't be residency if there weren't alcohol after hours. Plus our local orgs keep having events at bars. Met several potential employers that day.

Rule of thumb: drink, but don't be more faded than someone that might hire you. Done.

 

[smercer]

If it were possible to drink responsibly it certainly wouldn't be in ads for alcohol. It's like saying play with your loaded gun responsibly or smoke your heroin responsibly. Alcohol in any amount impairs your judgement. You wouldn't make the same decision as you would if it were not in your system. Why do you feel a need to drink?

You're right we should ban it again. That worked hella good the first time.

 

[blueclassring]

I don't think it is a good idea to be drinking and hanging out with people you supervise. How can you correct bad behavior that occurs at work and how can you objective evaluate their performance at work if you're friends with them?

 

[rxlea]

I just had two glasses of Sean Minor's Pinot Noir. Yum!