One of our teams had a major software release last week. These guys had been toiling pretty hard for the last 6 months or so, fighting a hostile customer as well as coping with inter-departmental politics, but finally, the project was successfully completed and everyone was happy. So, the boss of this team decided to throw a party for his 'boys'. I had done some architectural design for this project a few months back, hence I got an invite as well.
To give you some background, this team is comprised mostly of guys fresh out of college or out barely a few months back. And let me tell you, for the new blokes, the first few 'office parties' have a lot of significance. If i try to recollect personal experiences, it used to feel like I have finally become an adult - being able to booze with a boss 15 years my senior, and being treated as an equal, irrespective of their knowledge, standing and years of experience. So, a lot of these guys were pretty excited.
We reached the place. It was a restaurant. A family one. With 4 sitter dining tables. And soft music. And NO BOOZE.
Shit I pitied these guys man! Everyone was roaming around with a dazed expression on their faces. I mean nobody had a clue! It was 7PM and the buffet was laid out. Some optimists refused to believe that there could'nt be no provision for booze, but by 8 everyone was pretty convinced. So, one by one, they shuffled towards the buffet tables and dinner started.
And mingling with them, with a kind, beatific expression of a proud patriarch, was the big boss, asking everyone to enjoy themselves to the fullest, saying that they deserved this 'treat' after the hard work they had put in. And the scream was that, this guy actually believed it himself! And you should have seen the expressions on the guys' faces man!!
Anyway, I had a great time. Set an all time personal record - had food, dessert and coffee for dinner for the first time in my 'adult' life. And being the kindly soul that I am, I have promised these guys that I would take them out next week for a booze-only party.
You guys are invited as well.
Apr 19, 2007
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11 comments:
Never attended a booze-only party. What does on do there?
bonding. shedding inhibitions. abuse the boss in front of him because u r sure he is too drunk to remember it the next day..and most importantly, get stuffed with starters..anyone asking for rice or rotis are kicked out unceremoniously.
first you promise if i gate crash and join, after a few peg, you won't start talking about your 'architectures'. i will break a bottle on your head.
naaaaah...strict policy i follow..no shop talk during booze sessions..
booze parties are the only ones worth talking about. is this one in bangalore? in that case i'm there!
oh and btw, these kind of bosses are the worth. khud doobenge par baaki logo ko lekar! i say drink and let drink!
err that was *worst* (ashamed journo)
Your description of booze parties didnt interest me at all. I would rather join Riju & June with their mates who dont need to get drunk to have a nice time.
Shuv you too are in software business? I'm working in a company in England with close ties with Indian consultancy. Our two countries are converging. Everything is converging.
Anyway thanks for this vivid depiction of life today.
yeah yves i work with IBM in india.
i'm back. finally recovered my password.
i've attended numerous parties like these and am yet to come across a boss who'll treat us for booze. suckers are always trying to save on these allowances.
wait until i become one, my boys are gonna have a ball.
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