4 ms·

I think it largely depends on _where_ you work. You can't just say "our industry" and have it applied world-wide. In all companies I have worked at - there has

I think it largely depends on _where_ you work. You can't just say "our industry" and have it applied world-wide. In all companies I have worked at - there has been diversity. I am also someone who doesn't drink and never felt like this is an issue, though I am from one of the best-known countries for their beer. Next to waffles and chocolates, that's pretty much our thing. I've almost always had a team that existed of a mix of ethnicities and gender. I do think that beer doesn't belong in the workplace, but we do have days when we drink _after_ work, and not necessarily in the workplace. No one ever complained about me getting a coke instead.

kcmastrpc 8y ago
no one complains, and my experience is entirely anecdotal but i've had situations where turning down a drink or the next round was met with, "what's wrong with you?"-esque inquires.
- squirrelicus 8y ago
  The correct response to "What's wrong with you[, you should take the drink]" is to face the situation forthrightly, not shrink before the social pressure.
- Insanity 8y ago
  I did have people question why I do not drink, without accusing me. I just say it is a personal choice and that is the end of it. Sometimes, if I am with people who I know longer, I tell them it is because of having an alcohol related death in the family. I also continue with saying I don't mind that they drink. I have done this for about 11 years without any issues.
tluyben2 8y ago
It depends on the role but I definitely know cases (anecdotal) where sales or pre-sales not drinking with a client/partner/investor was ‘no one complains’ (to your face) but resulted in losing out on a contract or requests for another contact because of social incompatibility. And not one or two. In my experience bucketloads of tech sale deals are done over copious drinking and being an outsider there is not considered a good thing. Admitted; on the workfloor after work with the team no one gives a crap although you might, again in my experience, get less invites for social gatherings as it is still considered ‘boring’ in many circles. That girl or guy who never meshes well at TGiF or the ‘after work pint at the local’. As someone who sometimes drinks too much and often drinks nothing at all (I have no off switch so I prefer nothing), I know that feeling; you really need a lot of energy and patience to stick around at gatherings where everyone is plastered and having too much fun and you are sober. I have seen the issue in UK, US, NL, DE, HK, AU and, ofcourse, CN. But anecdotal so your mileage definitely may vary.

kcmastrpc 8y ago

no one complains, and my experience is entirely anecdotal but i've had situations where turning down a drink or the next round was met with, "what's wrong with you?"-esque inquires.

squirrelicus 8y ago
The correct response to "What's wrong with you[, you should take the drink]" is to face the situation forthrightly, not shrink before the social pressure.
Insanity 8y ago
I did have people question why I do not drink, without accusing me. I just say it is a personal choice and that is the end of it. Sometimes, if I am with people who I know longer, I tell them it is because of having an alcohol related death in the family. I also continue with saying I don't mind that they drink. I have done this for about 11 years without any issues.

tluyben2 8y ago

It depends on the role but I definitely know cases (anecdotal) where sales or pre-sales not drinking with a client/partner/investor was ‘no one complains’ (to your face) but resulted in losing out on a contract or requests for another contact because of social incompatibility. And not one or two. In my experience bucketloads of tech sale deals are done over copious drinking and being an outsider there is not considered a good thing. Admitted; on the workfloor after work with the team no one gives a crap although you might, again in my experience, get less invites for social gatherings as it is still considered ‘boring’ in many circles. That girl or guy who never meshes well at TGiF or the ‘after work pint at the local’. As someone who sometimes drinks too much and often drinks nothing at all (I have no off switch so I prefer nothing), I know that feeling; you really need a lot of energy and patience to stick around at gatherings where everyone is plastered and having too much fun and you are sober. I have seen the issue in UK, US, NL, DE, HK, AU and, ofcourse, CN. But anecdotal so your mileage definitely may vary.