Originally Posted by
polar_b
Am I the only one who feels like this?
No. (but it does depend on the colleagues)
My guess is it's an attribute of your corporate culture (because they pay) but members of any organization get together on their own dime too, so it's also a basic social need for some folks.
... why should I go out with my colleagues
The corporation may view this as "Team Building" and such. Not participating may impact career advancement.
Can you disengage from some of these events in a way that doesn't screw up your advancement in the corporation? (or a reference if you leave down the road.)
Maybe go to the team dinners, but show up late and leave early to the drinking-only events -- "need to check something for tomorrow." If you prefer smaller crowds, perhaps try and pull two or three people out of the herd to 'go do something' and while it won't be a solitary activity like reading, it may be a way to comply with the social norms of the company in a way that's more pleasant to you than the bacchanalia.
... when they finally get to go away they let their hair down and stay out until 4AM
A lot of people do that.