Drank too much at a work dinner with some very senior people in the firm. Not sloppy but noticeably more buzzed than the rest of the group. Any recovering from this or do I look for another job?

I am a female partner and had one of my male Sr Consultants get so drunk with a group of folks that included the client that he could hardly walk let alone find the hotel . He was supposed to be my escort walking back to the hotel , however I had to stay with him and ensure he got back . It was the first time that it was obvious that the guy had issues as his work was very good . We had a ‘talk’ about it and he at least never again put me in the position of getting him safely back to his hotel ! Everyone noticed his predicament including the client , however there were no serious repercussions except for a little teasing for a few days .

I’ve realized that we tend to overthink these situations. Partners have more things to think about than a slightly buzzed person at a happy hour. In any case, learn from it. Work extra hard the next couple of weeks. Go out of the way to display initiative and professionalism to make up for any potential reputation damage. Make this situation a motivator rather than something that bogs you down. Also, don’t overthink it!

This is my career strategy. You’re fine. Talk to them like nothing happened and deliver good work.

My personal motto: No one ever remembers the 2nd drunkest guy at the party.

Chill out you're fine as long as you didn't do or say anything heinous

That’s how you assert dominance .

Don’t worry, you were fine

You’re fine as long as you didn’t make a total ass of yourself. But you really should ask yourself why you felt the need to drink so much at a work dinner...it’s dinner with co-workers in a professional setting, not a bar / club with friends on a weekend.

You’re fine. SM here, and have seen some people get very sloppy.

Doesn’t bother me as long as work product is unaffected. I’ve even gotten sloppy with them at later events

You’re fine

Good rule for business functions - two drink maximum. You will still be in control.

Save the heavy drinking for the plane ride home

Fuck, when I was a young man, I set my Partner on fire with a flaming sambuca and it didn’t do me any harm!

Unless you did or said something stupid, don't worry about it. Don't make a habit of that, you will slip up eventually. I've seen (and unfortunately done) it happen more times than I want to admit. I thankfully learned sooner than later that being the least buzzed person is in my interests.

authenticity +1

Also, at the very least (right or wrong) you'll more than likely be included in future going out plans since your teammates will likely assume you're 'fun'.

Seppuku is only answer

Very senior people are more amused than offended by buzzed juniors trying to keep it together. As long as you didn’t do anything rude/raunchy/grossly unprofessional, you’re fine

Keep an eye on this, you got out over your skis. You may be one of those people, like me, that needs to pass on the silver oak and stick to iced tea. Far worse to be the person that can’t admit it than to feel the way you feel today with any kind of frequency.

Did you say anything dumb?