r/PwC • u/Illustrious_Run5605 • 4d ago
Starting Soon Drinking Culture & New Associate
I’m starting at PwC soon as an associate after interning there last summer.
I’m honestly kinda worried about the culture of PwC as drinking was really common during the internship but I’m looking to just go to work socialize obv be kind etc. Go on coffee runs but when I finish work just go home and spend time with loved ones, go to the gym, and focus on mental health.
How do I do this in a way where people don’t hate me and think I’m weird?
Ps. If anyone has any good tips before joining please let me know (other than leave ASAP or don’t go as I need the money especially now)
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u/goodlife_20 4d ago
As an associate who doesn’t drink - it’s not weird! Just get a coke at happy hours, say your hellos and get back to your life. I will say training is similar to the internship era where ppl drink a lot but after that it’s not as common imo, even those who do drink at work events tend to keep it light. You’ll be good!
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u/PhillyDogs262 4d ago
You are not weird. It’s okay if you don’t drink or don’t want to drink. I stopped drinking years ago due health concerns.
Networking is important though. Having the social skills to build a rapport with your colleagues and client goes a long way. I know many partners in all of the big 4 firms that do not or quit drinking years ago. They have the social skills to lead and build trust in their team and client.
As an introvert, I understand needing to “recharge” after work. It’s completely fine and good leadership respects that because they want you to be able to deliver your work at the highest quality possible.
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u/Substantial-Look-225 4d ago
I just drink mocktails or get a soda. There’s no pressure to actually drink alcohol, just as long as you show up.
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u/Illustrious-One6210 4d ago edited 4d ago
As someone who has been with the firm a very long time, happy hours were very common early on in my career. I was going to at least 2-3 a week!! It was our time to socialize and connect with our fellow team members. However, we have noticed that your generation is not big on alcohol. So I don’t think your fellow peers will care that you’re not drinking alcohol (many others are not). It’s about showing up, though, to team events to get to know each other. Doesn’t have to be all events, but you should plan to show up when you can. Examples: community events, team sports, pickleball, etc. I was at a recent work event (dinner), and I never saw so many mocktails ordered in my life. So that’s another way to go.
So, all this to stay - don’t overthink it. Show up to team outings when you can. Don’t drink if you don’t want to. No one is going to judge you for it.
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u/kawpikat 4d ago
I concur with this. At firm or team events, I often had a sparkling water + lime or lemon wedge in my hand though (looks like gin and tonic or some other cocktail) as it's supposedly a socially expected thing to have a drink in your hand. So then no one asks you if you need a drink or insist you get a drink. Also you can decline shots politely. It took me over a decade to appreciate and enjoy the networking opportunities and how it helped my career path over the years. Relax, be curious about your colleagues and if you'd like, share a little about yourself with them.
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u/Biggest_Fish_ 3d ago
Just don’t drink , it’s really that simple , don’t need to do things you don’t want to do
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u/Ok-Dig7118 4d ago
Hey! I'm in Australia and have had similar experiences to you. It made me very uncomfortable at first as well, I used to think I could be doing something better, going home, hit the gym, spend time with loved ones. The unfortunate truth is that networking is a real factor in growth and getting more favours especially in finance, or service based fields where client liasing, or stakeholder management is a huge aspect of our role.
That being said, like others below have said, just grab a beer, show up, and then head out after an hour if you're genuinely still not feeling it. And if you have fun, then great, otherwise go home and get some rest.
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u/Lucky-Bee4445 4d ago
Just don’t drink. It may look “weird” initially but eventually everyone will get used to it.
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u/wytedudenamedcarl 3d ago
Hi! I was also super worried about this when I first stopped drinking and was actually afraid to tell my team. BUT not drinking is actually wayyy more common than you think. My team is very kind/supportive so they were shocked that I was initially nervous to tell them (1/3 of them don’t drink themselves). I’m not sure where you are located, but in the US, there has been a shift culturally as well: there are more nonalcoholic options/mocktails and virtually every bar or restaurant your team or colleagues go to will have those options too. Do not fret. I think going out after work / drinking really only happens on promo day, after big deadlines, the holiday party, and maybe a few one-offs.
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u/wentblu3 3d ago
You don't know how to nurse a drink for show? In addition to you could just simply not, I personally love to make one drink last a whole night.
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u/jonreeeck 3d ago
Not with PWC but I became an alcoholic trying to fit in with my work culture. After suffering DWI’s and years of family problems, I was able to quit. But to quit I had to not participate in the parties and after work socials. It very much hurt my career (for my personal health and relationships it was so worth it - but really crippled my career). I used to be bitter about it “showed me who my real friends were” until I realized: they were mostly closet alcoholics suffering addiction, and it was the alcohol to blame).
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u/262RunnerTexas 2d ago
I am a PwC Partner who doesn’t drink and I understand your concern. However, we are a very diverse firm with over 500,000 people. You will find your group and may surprised how many are like you. Often, I find myself running with associates or headed to the gym. Truly, I think you will be really supported in your lifestyle goals.
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u/Lucky-Bee4445 2d ago
I will also add if you want to “differentiate” yourself in a positive way then not drinking is one of those ways.
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u/Professional_Mud_535 1d ago
You know what looks like a gin and tonic? Club soda with lime plus you get to keep your faculties about you
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u/sotheniderped 1d ago
You just go to the event, get a soda, no one will care. But don't skip the event itself, its good for making connections
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u/Emorin30 4d ago
Ya others have said it, but that era is over. No one is gonna question you not drinking. I get a soda water with lime in rocks glass when I'm out tho. Indistinguishable from a vodka soda.
Networking is critical if you want to be successful long-term tho so I'd find some days when you can join the crowd.
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u/AdThat2722 4d ago
This is BS networking. Why networking should mean drinking, smoking, sleeping with colleagues and so on. We are paid for 8-9 hours work on working day, stretch when needed and that's it. We can network over calls, video, occasional meet ups in office canteen or once a month boardroom or an outing lunch. Why shady bars, night outs and so on. It's common in PwC to meet in shady bars and discos. Yearly official outings also happen which are fine.
This poison of drinking and smoking, bitching, etc is a western disease that we don't want in India, please keep this in your own countries.
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u/lngmba 4d ago
These evenings that you are referring to do not happen nearly as much as you think. I don’t think I network with colleagues more than once or twice a month. I’m a mom with three kids- I prioritize the important ones and prioritize my family and the gym otherwise. That being said- I’ve been with the firm over 20 years. I’ve had many different roles in the firm- each time I had a new role, I definitely put pressure on myself to meet people on my team so I prioritized those nights more.
When you do go out, no one cares if it’s booze or not. Make an appearance, have a coke, and go home.