Dating at work can be very convenient, but sometimes office romance can be a little tricky. Check out 8 things to consider before dating a coworker.
Does it influence your career advancement?
Even if you really deserve a new position, dating a decision-maker will undermine your business and personal authority. You hardly dreamed of building a career “through bed”. It is also possible that the career advancement is hampered by the caution of a potential lover: the partner may refuse the idea of promoting you in order not to aggravate the situation in the team.
How does management feel about office romances?
Whatever the notorious company policy says about workplace relationships, it’s a good idea to find out how your immediate boss feels about them. Some companies legally forbid romance between coworkers, while others will be happy to see you succeed in your love life.
Will you be able to separate your personal and work relationships?
The boundaries between the personal and the public will inevitably blur. You will have to make sure that a morning argument with your partner does not affect the atmosphere in the team and your productivity, and you will not be able to openly splash out all your tenderness during working hours. And how ready are you to leave disagreements on work issues within the office? And to be together 24/7? In general, it is worth considering the feasibility of further work shoulder to shoulder before informal communication goes too far.
What are you both risking?
Are you comfortable with the prospect of complications? Great! But what about assessing the real risks? The idea of having an affair with a coworker may seem tempting, but it’s important to prepare for the worst-case scenario so that problems don’t catch you off guard. If your secret affair becomes public knowledge, will you be able to keep your job? And what about your partner? Being responsible for someone else’s “broken” life is no easier than being responsible for the upheaval in your own.
How serious is it?
You may be extremely attracted to your colleague, but it’s best to decide on the status of the potential relationship “on the beach.” Is it a fling that will be a great story for the next get-together with your girlfriends, or is it a real opportunity to start a family for the first time in years? If things aren’t too serious, maybe you shouldn’t make your temporary union public. It would be awkward to announce a breakup after a few weeks of dating.
Are you ready for publicity?
It’s time to be honest with yourself: do you really need this person, or are you turned on by the atmosphere of secrecy and secret signs in front of your colleagues? Perhaps you will be able to hide the office romance for some time, but you must also realize that everything secret becomes clear. If the disclosure will be a disaster, you should not even start.
How do you feel about gossip?
We hope that you are sincerely indifferent to the gossip behind your back, because otherwise it will be difficult to maintain a relationship with your colleague. One day, your affair will become the property of office gossips and an indispensable source of juicy news. Unfortunately, nothing will protect you from speculation and outright lies. Get ready to listen to stories from “well-wishers” about who else your chosen one has a crush on. This happens when your personal life becomes entertainment for bored employees.
What happens in case of separation?
No matter how perfect a relationship may seem in theory, in practice, things can turn out differently. And when starting a relationship, it is important to understand what price you are willing to pay for it. If love fails, how will this affect your career? Will you feel comfortable staying at your current job? Or will one of you sacrifice yourself and quit? Whatever the case, both should be prepared for a tragic scenario.