YOU might be forgiven for thinking that twenty-somethings' longstanding party ritual is about letting their hair down and blowing off steam at the end of the work week - because, of course, it looks that way.
But you can forget about partying just for the sake of it at any of these cluster meetings, which start on Thursday and climax on Saturday.
This is serious business, and experts say this should not come as a surprise.
An organisational behaviour specialist, Dr Nicole Gillespie, is quoted in journal reports as saying that
after-work drinks are largely the domain of new employees keen on networking.
'For new people coming in, they often feel it's really important to go to the Friday night drinks and social events. That's heavily embedded within the corporate culture,' she says.
Indeed, conquering cocktails at regular drinking holes - like Emerald Hill and Zouk Wine Bar - inevitably morph into trading floor sessions for industry gossip.
Out on the dance floor, one thing's on display: the art of schmoozing.
The secret, it seems, is to hang out at the same haunt every weekend. Soon, waiters know you by your first name, usher you to empty tables and give you discounts.
After much practice, the art - of flitting from one group in conversation to another while maintaining eye contact with a large dose of enthusiasm - will be mastered.
I used to be able to tolerate anything for a good dish.
Hooked, I would perch on uncomfortable bar stools for a juicy morsel of information: Did you know this colleague has been secretly dating a co-worker? Did you know that so-and-so was poached by another company for twice his current pay?
Sometimes, gossip came with a sprinkle of advice: Person One is very close to Person Two, so better watch what you say around either of them.
My eyes would bulge with surprise as I enthusiastically clutched the speaker's hand. 'How scandalous! Really? Don't bluff me!' I squealed.
I did my part too, repeating the stories to anyone who would listen.
Two years have passed and I can no longer muster the same level of zest for recycled stories. Increased family responsibility, among other commitments, have also affected my weekend ritual.
I did not think it would come to this but, yes, partying has become hard work.
Dr Gillespie says this waning is to be expected.
To prevent such an overdose, she suggests that instead of regular Friday night socialising, workplace events should be kept to significant milestones - like when a co-worker gets promoted or when a colleague attains a PhD.
I agree. Although after-work drinks are great for bonding, when the ritual becomes a chore, it's time for a serious re-evaluation.
I think the secret lies in intentionally engaging in relationships that have the potential to withstand the long run - that is, true friendships.
This goes beyond putting on your best used-car-salesman impression or bartering monthly lists of hook-ups and break-ups.
To get truly invested in your co-workers, it's time to skip the small talk and get down to business.
This article was first published in The Straits Times on July 21, 2008.
