Office Romance: Good for Your Future?

Watch any daytime soap or evening television show and it seems like everyone is dating a co-worker. But does that mean you too should try this? Sure, being at work will be more fun when you share the time with someone special. But how often do work romances work? And when it ends, what will your life be like? Before you go down a path you might regret, consider the following:

Romance versus reality

It would be great if every story had a happy ending, but we know that many do not. Are you prepared to leave your job if things don’t work out?  If things do work out, one of you may have to go, if it’s against company policy to date fellow employees. Are you prepared for that person to be you?

One promotion later …

Let’s say you become involved with someone in your department, and you receive a promotion. Now you’re in a relationship with your subordinate. This opens up the possibility of sexual harassment. Are you prepared to put everything at risk in the name of love?

Better be in tip-top shape

Still thinking of dating a co-worker? Better start popping extra vitamins and heighten your sense of discretion. Keeping your romance a secret will take a lot of energy. And when co-workers eventually find out, you may be the subject of ridicule and accusations: “I can’t believe she’s going out with him.” “Of course he got the promotion. Look who he’s dating.”

I know that love is a personal thing and that many of you may disagree. I’m just here to ring the warning bells.

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