I’ve recently learned of a rather sobering detail. My office is looking to change policy which, if approved, would mean no drinking for me – ever.
As you might guess, this was rather sobering news for me – literally. My life (on the porch, in wine country, etc.) flashed in front of me as I was discussing this with a coworker and advised her, “They continue to take away our benefits.” “Like being drunk and getting paid for it?” she quipped. “Exactly,” I replied.
I understand not drinking at work and the importance of not showing up to work drunk (although nobody from Mad Men understands this and I respect them for that). I don’t, however, understand not being able to drink after hours – regardless of whether or not one is on-call. On-call, last call. What’s the difference, really?
I shared my concerns with my employer who appeared to be just as surprised as me by this detail. He reminded me the policy was in draft form and I reminded him I had 14 years before I could retire. 14 truly painful years if the policy changes. “Maybe we could make an exception for me in the policy. In the meantime, before this goes into effect, I’ve got some drinking to do,” I advised him. “Have one for me,” he replied. I will. On-call last call is sobering, that’s for sure.