Oi, Singaporean! Ever kena that awkward moment after a company event? You know, when you drank a bit too much and now your colleagues are acting strange? You’re not alone. Let’s talk about how to avoid becoming the next ‘sai gang’ at the office.
Current Situation
- Company events are still considered work.
A company event dinner is still considered work. Learn to control yourself.
- Many Singaporeans find themselves in similar situations after company gatherings. It’s easy to overdo it when the drinks are flowing freely, especially with the pressure to ‘gel’ with colleagues.
- The aftermath can be brutal, with silent treatment and potential damage to your professional image. Remember, first impressions count, even after a few Tiger beers.
- Some colleagues might just be hungover too, but it’s best to be prepared for the worst.
The Real Challenge
- Maintaining professionalism while socialising.
Learn from this. Don’t drink too much at such settings… no matter how informal it may seem. You could ruin your image and progression in one night.
- The pressure to participate in drinking culture, especially for junior employees, can be intense. It’s a delicate balance between fitting in and staying in control.
- Blacking out can lead to embarrassing or even career-damaging behaviour. You might not remember what happened, but your colleagues will.
- Singapore’s competitive work environment means mistakes are easily noticed and remembered. One wrong move can have lasting consequences.
Actionable Solutions
- Know your limits.
Start acknowledging your limits and practicing self-control, or stop consumption. Nobody likes/wants sai gang.
- Stick to soft drinks or tea. There’s no shame in pacing yourself or avoiding alcohol altogether. Your liver (and your career) will thank you.
- Have an exit strategy. If you feel yourself losing control, excuse yourself and go home. Grab a Grab or ask a trusted colleague for help.
- Reflect and learn. If something embarrassing did happen, apologize sincerely and move on. Focus on rebuilding trust with your colleagues. Remember, everyone makes mistakes.
- In the future, just be more careful. You can always get drunk with friends anytime. Unless your bosses are forcing you to drink (and even then I might go slow), you can just stick to soft drinks or tea at company events. There is nothing much to be gained from excessive drinking in this circumstance and many things to be lost. Why take the risk?
