Merry Christmas to me

I love being a lone freelancer. Working from home, managing my own schedule, choosing the music I work to and only having to negotiate with myself about when to take my next holiday. 

Let’s face it, after working under my own rules for over two years, I’d find it pretty hard to return to the permanently employed ranks. But there are a few things you miss out on – being part of a tea round (sometimes I just wish I had someone here to share the burden of keeping my caffeine levels up), office banter (there is a distinct lack of gossip at Laura Jane Johnson HQ) and the annual work Christmas shindig. Yes, it's a party for one here in the run up to Chrimbletide. But maybe that's not such a bad thing...

Oops, could it be I was the office lightweight!

Thinking back to my Christmas parties past, I have mixed memories. There have been some great ones, some crazy ones and a liberal splattering of dismal ones too. Yes, not all office Christmas parties have turned out to be great fun, providing the inspiration for my latest article for It islegal. Here's a preview...

How to escape the office lightweight
Christmas party season is about to kick off and that means one thing – lunches turn to liquid and the most reserved lawyer in your team suddenly reveals they are a complete liability after two glasses of wine. This means one thing – it’s time to start plotting how to escape your office lightweight. Mwa-ha-ha-ha. 

A booze-fuelled open and honest discussion with a partner that’s destined to put them at the bottom of the promotion pile. Drunken snogs with inappropriate colleagues under the mistletoe. And worst still, tearful heart-to-hearts on your shoulder. The office lightweight really knows how to put a dampener on a festive night out (and their career). 

There’s one phrase that should alert you to the fact that you’re in the company of an individual who will find it hilarious to photocopy his or her posterior later - “I’ll just stay for the one.” It’s a bad omen that can lead only two ways… [Article continues]

Freelancers read on and rejoice in the quiet, refinement of your Christmas party for one. It may actually be a lucky escape…