THIS IS HOW YOU THROW THE BEST (FAREWELL) DRINKS
For colleagues
As I mentioned yesterday crying I will not be at Amayzine starting next month because I am going to do something else exciting. So a cozy farewell drink is definitely in order. Anyway, any occasion to down a glass of white wine is welcome here.
Here's how to have drinks with colleagues:
Find a nice place nearby
As easy as it is to stay at the office, it’s just a bit more fun in the café around the corner. This way, your colleagues loosen up a bit and it guarantees a pleasant ambiance.
Check with the boss
Inform your boss about your drink plans and immediately ask if people can leave half an hour early. This way, you can start the get-together a bit earlier (and thus end it on time) and you can almost be sure that everyone can be present.
Send an email
Let everyone know in time (that is, at least a week in advance) that a farewell drink is coming up. You can send a reminder email the day before. Also mention an end time, so people know what to expect and not everyone stays longer than intended.
The first round is on you
Paying a bill afterwards can create an awkward situation. Just imagine that colleague Piet has ordered a whole barrel. Well, who pays for that? Your future ex-boss? You? So upon arrival, say that you are treating the first round. That’s generous of you, because that’s how you want to be remembered by your former colleagues. Moreover; if people have to pay for the subsequent rounds themselves, they will hold back a bit.
Snacks
If you can spare it, order some snacks with the first round. If people come straight from the office and start drinking on an empty stomach, getting drunk I can assure you that very embarrassing situations will arise. You don’t want that, especially not if you will never see these people again.
Hold back
This brings me directly to the sixth point: tone down the alcohol a bit. A few glasses are certainly allowed, but it shouldn’t be the case that you end up stripping on the bar or throwing up in the toilet. Your friends are there to hold your hair back. Your (ex) colleagues are not. Never.
Speech
Prepare a small speech. It doesn’t have to be an Obama-like discourse, but it’s nice to thank everyone and briefly elaborate on the highlights during your time working. If you can also mention some fun anecdotes, well then they will miss you for a long time.
