This really resonated with me. The last job I had before doing my work as a full-time independent freelancer had all sorts of infantilization strategies. Parties, nerf gun wars, big lunch once a week, etc. I'm introverted and all of that stuff sapped my mental energy for the day, so my productivity suffered. It's daycare for adults.

https://nmn.gl/blog/...

Exactly. The GAFAM are literally retarded. They want to be your mummy / daddy.

Well, you can always say no, right? I have a similar experience. One day with 50 people and I'm drained as f.

@CaptainRant > "Well, you can always say no, right?"

I don't say 'no', there is always some emergency that pops up. Darn.

Example: This week we are having a department wide BBQ at a local park. There will be food, games, 'engaging conversations', etc.

I'm very, very seriously thinking about saying at the last minute (as everyone is getting up to leave), "I'll be there, I've got to stop by the DMV and renew my driver's license. Save me a burger, or five..ha ha ha." Drive in the general direction and come back to work. Everybody will gone for at least two+ hours.

#bliss

Then when they come back:

S: "PaperTrail, where were you? Did you get your license renewed?"

Me: "No, I waited in line for almost 2 hours, I knew I wouldn't make it to the BBQ. Sorry."

S: "No worries. Saved a couple of burgers in the break-room fridge."

If you're wondering, 'Has PaperTrail done this before?'. Yes ... yes I have.

@CaptainRant It was frowned upon to refuse to join in. “We need team players.” “We’re a family.”

I have a family. They’re at home and related to me. Ya’ll are just people I know from work.

@stackodev They always make those stupid statements, these corporate goons. No one is obliged to join events.