Hi all,
I need some advice and thanks in advance for any replies. My current employer is setting up a multi-day retreat for our team to “bond in person” (we're 100% remote). My boss has made it really clear she really really wants everyone to attend, but did mention she acknowledged some people probably couldn't and could call in for meetings. Now I'm not 100% against hanging with co-workers in general, but this particular group gets my social anxiety up with their dynamics (a bit of drama and backstabbing among people) and I'm at the point where I'd almost rather find a new job than be forced to go on this retreat. They are also requiring people to pair up in rooms and I barely know these people. It freaks me out to share a room with someone I don't know and to know I have no downtime after forced socialization all day just makes it worse. These people are also insistent that we are “family” which I find toxic. Anyone have any good excuses or ways out of this? I was thinking of just saying my mental health has been bad which isn't a lie at all, but not sure if there is a better way out of it.