I love my job, but this situation just really ticks me off. We all got invited to a potluck to meet our big boss that lives in a different state than most of our team. And I get it, they are flying out to meet us all. But this is the first time a work event has been outside work hours. We have to work all day today and then go to this potluck. I wasn't going to go, they said it was optional. I'm a single parent, a care provider and I just didn't want to go, it's my evening, it's scared to me. But I got told by someone close to this boss that people won't be in their “good graces” if one doesn't go to this. So not only do I have to work all day. I had to find a baby sitter, I'm loosing my evening to hang out with my kid and just relax. And not getting paid for it! In the past we'd have paid potluck lunches! Hell I'm spending money to go to this! Potluck so we all have to bring something, and gasoline, and a babysitter. I'm also a care provider for my elderly parent and I have to make sure they are taken care of while I'm gone as it's right during dinner time and I had to scramble to get help to make sure my own mother is fed dinner. I'm going to go and be nice, smile and make small talk, but I know my vibe will be, “this is not cool.” end rant, thanks for reading