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Antiwork

Am I Obligated to Attend a “Mandatory” Dinner Date?

I have a virtual work from home job. The company I work for has employees all around the globe. I was told recently that supervisors and managers are making an effort this year to fly around and see everybody. I went to dinner early on with my immediate supervisor and manager when I was first hired. This was way before COVID and I was still working in the office so it wasn't as big of a deal. Now though, I've grown to really resent my manager and the company. I still enjoy what I do and take pride in my work but I don't feel I am valued and do not wish to be forced to spend my evening at a restaurant with my bosses. Am I obligated to go on a dinner date with them? Are there any laws that would protect me if I decided not to go?…


I have a virtual work from home job. The company I work for has employees all around the globe.

I was told recently that supervisors and managers are making an effort this year to fly around and see everybody.

I went to dinner early on with my immediate supervisor and manager when I was first hired. This was way before COVID and I was still working in the office so it wasn't as big of a deal.

Now though, I've grown to really resent my manager and the company. I still enjoy what I do and take pride in my work but I don't feel I am valued and do not wish to be forced to spend my evening at a restaurant with my bosses.

Am I obligated to go on a dinner date with them? Are there any laws that would protect me if I decided not to go?

I plan to actually raise this question to my immediate supervisor to see if I can “opt out”. I already told him “I won't be sad or upset if you guys don't visit me” hinting that I'd rather not see them at all. Surprisingly, my supervisor shared a similar sentiment and stated he didn't really need the forced social interaction either but I don't think it is ultimately up to him whether this takes place or not. Since he's also a supervisor, he likely wouldn't even speak his mind to our manager about it either.

What's y'all's take on the matter? Do you think it's as strange as I do for your management team to force you to go out to dinner with them?

I mean sure, it's not a huge deal but I legit don't like these people. My supervisor is ok but my manager is a total douche.

Not to mention, I don't even go out to restaurants on my own time anymore, I haven't since the pandemic started and I still wear my mask in public places.

These guys are going to be riding on airplanes, flying around the country, exposing themselves to who knows what, and are going to force me to sit across from them at a table? Nah, you can miss me with that shizz.

If I do get COVID, however unlikely it may be, I know they aren't going to pay for my medical bills. Why should I have to put myself at risk for these bozos?

When I speak to my supervisor about “opting out” I'm going to suggest a lame as video call with my webcam on. I'd rather sit there for however long they want so they can stare at me rather than go out to dinner with them.

They pay me to do my job, not be their dinner date.

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