I've worked a lot of places. It goes without saying that some have better perqs than others. Also, shame on society for making the shortening of perquisite into "perk" instead of "perq". I don't think this is sending the right message to the letter q.
Anyway.
One common activity among companies is an early evening Happy Hour, light dinner or series of amuse bouches at a local restaurant. For potential participants, these are generally well received, but are not without criticism.
Seriously? Lobster brioche with mango chutney, again? What are we? Animals?
In any case, my department hosted one at a local restaurant and I was somewhat nervous about going. I could gab for hours about work. I find it genuinely interesting and there is so much going on that the conversation is never lacking. But as for children, kitties and a picket fence? I am utterly lacking in experience here. Like most people, I'm not a fan of being uncomfortable; and I was convinced I would be.
Uncomfortable? Gosh no! This is how we watch TV.
I decided to do what any self-respecting, mature, career-oriented professional would do. I called my mommy... who immediately told me to L2D and get to the restaurant. I'm not sure where my mom learned the obscure internet shorthand for "learn to deal" and its probably better that way. In truth I called because it had been a long day (in that good, tiring, but productive way) and I was debating whether or not to go back out. Both she and my dad had great advice that pretty much boiled down to: "this is important, rest later".
It was good they did too. In addition to getting to see an old family friend; I got to see a colleague get promoted and have great conversations with people I don't usually work with directly. And really that's the purpose of those dinners. Its not just a reward for hard work (though there is some of that going on). Its a chance to talk to people you rarely interact with during the day and form a connection with them.
And, lucky for me, there was very little talk of picket fences.
To me, you are an enigma...
