Barry CourterEditor's note: Barry Courter has a 26-year-old son who is a college graduate and a 21-year-old daughter who is a senior in college. Each week he poses a question he wishes they would ask.
Q: Dad, I just got a new job, and everyone likes to go out for drinks and I don't. What should I do?
A: This can be a real problem, also for underage new employees or interns. Lots of business, and friendships among co-workers, can come out of such informal gatherings. If you think you are missing out on work-related opportunities and can legally go with them, find a way on occasion. If it's not legally possible, you'll have to find another inroad.