Ascot snub has me worrying about my job

DEAR VEXED: It used to be that my bank sent everyone on corporate entertainment trips. I’ve never missed Ascot – until now, that is. What with the cut backs and so forth, I’m not going this year. Should I be worried the company is about to expire? Or should I be worried I’m about to be sacked? Rachel, 32, European markets division
 

YOU’RE not the only one squirming under changes in the approach to corporate entertainment. Of course it’s uncomfortable feeling like you’re being left out of the fun, and that your livelihood is harnessed to a company that can’t – or doesn’t want to – afford to put you in the middle of it. But take heart. It feels like this is a personal slight, and a sign of your company’s weakness, but you must remember that most businesses have cut back drastically on boozy outings. That yours is still entertaining at Ascot at all is reason to rejoice.

As for you, don’t assume you’re not going because you’re being blacklisted. It might be that your presence in the office is considered indispensable, and unfortunately you have to pay the price by staying back. Unless you’re on the forefront of business generation, you aren’t – to be frank – really worth the money it would take to feed, water and booze you at the races.
 

If you’re worried you are being blacklisted, ask someone, but do it in a light sort of way. In fact, if the only “sign” of being on the unfavourables list is not going to Ascot, I’d hold back entirely. It will just make you sound whiny, and primarily interested in getting drunk for free. Chances are, any company worth its salt will sit down with you and discuss any issues with your performance, rather than signalling dissatisfaction in this underhand way. 
 

Remember: Ascot isn’t even always wonderful. On Ladies’ Day it tends to rain, you’ll just lose tons of money from foolish drunken bets and you’ll have a hangover that starts before nightfall. This is the year to show how serious you are about work, to knuckle down soberly and prove just how indispensable you are. Try to see this perceived Ascot snub as an opportunity, not an insult or a harbinger of doom. That way, you’re sure to be invited next year.