Let’s be honest: happy hour for college students is just a classier, more expensive version of the 4 o’clock power hour that you did in your dorm room before you were accepted in bars off campus. When you graduate and get a real job, though, your co-workers are probably going to invite you out to a different type of happy hour. But don’t let the Christmas-tree lights strung from the bar, blasting music and cheap drinks fool you: you’re not on campus anymore, and the office happy hour has different rules than the college power hour.
The most important thing to remember when skipping off to happy hour with your new co-workers is that you have to wake up in the morning and be professional with them again the next day, and the day after that. You can’t choose to ignore them or avoid them if anything awkward happens as you all do shots in the bathroom. And while the kinds of people who like to drink after work might seem more laid-back than conservative party poopers who went straight home, boundaries are still needed in order for you to remain professional. So what are the basic rules to remember?
- Think of your reputation: The scenery’s changed, and the mood is lifted, but you’re still among professionals who can make or break your career. Think of your reputation, and don’t say or do anything that your co-workers could ever use against you.
- Watch your pace: In college, chugging a beer in record time meant you had a respectable tolerance and party spirit, but you’ve got to pace yourself at a professional gathering. If margaritas are your favorite, choose something else that you won’t suck down as fast, or drink beer rather than liquor since there’s less alcohol per volume in a serving.
- Don’t make a move: No matter how smooth you think you are or how much you think your office mate has been eyeing you, do not make a move during happy hour. Office romances are tricky enough as it is (and often officially frowned upon), and anything started during happy hour could be misinterpreted as a baseless, lustful attraction and nothing more. Plus, with your beer goggles on, your judgment might be way off, and you’ll just cause yourself a lot of embarrassment the next day.
Happy hour is a bonding experience for many office mates, and if invited, you should join your co-workers. Just remember that anything you say or do may be used against you and impact your professional life. Consider happy hours a more laid-back networking opportunity, and not a chance to party hardy with your new friends.