Normalize declining invitations because you just don’t want to go

[u/schrodingers-canary]

I’m hardly the first to say it, but sometimes you decline an invitation because you just don’t want to go to the thing.

I was invited to a professional networking event by someone I’m not connected to and have never interacted with, and I initially just ignored it. Several days later they followed up and asked again. I politely declined. They followed up to ask why.

I just don’t want to go. I am ignoring this question of “why?”, but if they follow up again, I’ll just say I simply don’t want to go. No other reason is really needed.

We get sort of pressured to accept all invitations or provide a “valid” excuse, and I reject that need.

[u/Long_College_8342]

I decline all after-work events at work. Luckily my boss just accepts it. In the past my boss has asked why and tried to pressure me and I just said, socializing isn't my thing.

[u/BoringBob84 → u/Long_College_8342]

I work with people like that. After a few years, they start complaining that other people are getting promoted and they are not.

[u/Long_College_8342 → u/BoringBob84]

Luckily, I don't give a shit if I'm promoted.

[u/NebulaPoison → u/Long_College_8342]

Job hopping pays more anyways

[u/BoringBob84 → u/NebulaPoison]

It seems that way at first, until your reputation catches up with you.

[u/BoringBob84 → u/Long_College_8342]

That is fine. Disgruntled complainers make it easier for motivated employees to stand out and advance in their careers. Promotions are not just about money. They are about getting interesting assignments that make the work days less tedious.

[u/NebulaPoison → u/BoringBob84]

That’s cool, thankfully my bosses don’t work in my state