In our current economy, lay-offs are an everyday occurrence. Why distress? Use it as an excuse to PARTY and de-stress! There’s nothing better to get you through the hard times than food, friends and of course, alcohol…
INVITATION TYPE
- Anything free! But in keeping with the spirit of a business atmosphere, email or phone calls are your best options.
DECORATIONS
- Make “want ad” table covers – you can do this easiest by spreading out newspaper job sections and laying a clear plastic table cover over the pages.
- Hang up pictures of ex-bosses/ex-CEO’s (the worse the picture, the better) – this will also double as part of your games later.
- Spread around office supplies (you know, the ones you stole when you were let go from a previous job), but sure to include post-its for doodles and notes.
- A bulletin board for people to post up resumes, you can tack a few to begin with.
- Printed directions to the local unemployment office.
FOOD AND DRINK MENU
Go back to basics, in a time where money is tight, have guests bring meals along ala Potluck style
- Appetizer: Beer Dip serve with pretzels or any kind of salty chip
- Potluck: If you choose to contribute your own dish as well, try this quick and easy casserole dish: Cheddar Tuna Casserole
- Dessert: Pink Slip Cookies – if you want to go crazy, shape them into rectangles while cooling and write on them with decorating icing/gel
- Cocktail: BYOB, because your broke ass can’t afford to quench everyone’s thirst. We suggest the host provide “Pink Slip Punch” to get things started
ENTERTAINMENT
- Theme song: “Get a Job” by The Silhouettes. Listen here.
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For entertainment, any job-related movies or shows should run in the background. Some suggestions:
GAMES
- Pin the Hex on the Ex – In the same fashion as “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,” use colorful pushpins to have guests stick the pictures of the ex-bosses and (possibly) inflict voodoo pain.
- Pink Slip Scavenger Hunt – whichever guest finds the most slips wins a bonus (have a small job-related prize available). The Red Swingline Stapler from Office Space is always a hit.
- Any drinking game because well, it’s not like you have to get up in the morning!
ATTIRE
Dress in business casual clothes. While you may be feeling down in the dumps, try to maintain a professional appearance – you never know what opportunities may arise from this party!
- Girls – pencil skirt or dress pants and a blouse or nice sweater.
- Guys – khakis or dress pants and a polo, dress shirt or nice sweater.
If you’ve given up all hope, come in sweats. But you may be subject to ridicule….eh, we’re just saying…
LAST MINUTE TIPS
Feel free to use this party as an opportunity to network! Include a “goody bag” for each guest to collect resumes and business cards (and potential booty calls, since, well, desperate times call for desperate measures).
And as always, remember to bring your camera!
