Dating
at
Work:
How to Manage the Office Romance
There’s nothing like an office romance to
cause you to leap out of bed before the alarm clock
rings.
Dating at work helps the slow workday move
faster when you’ve found a little office romance hidden
under the cubicle. But is it worth the risk?
The office romance
is electric…
In my mid 20’s I had along term
romance with a gentleman at work. At the company Christmas party
we bonded over out love of food, music and the electric slide. Throughout our year long dating adventure, we kept our passion a
secret from everyone at work. We were out of the closet during
evenings and weekends; but in during the workday.
Welcome to the covert love
mission, 007
At first being Octopussy to his
James Bond was fun. Our academic campus was filled with gossipy
harpies so we wisely kept our relationship a secret. Eventually
I couldn’t maintain the love charade and we parted ways.
However, I did learn a few valuable lessons for dating at work.
1) Follow the HR rules
Can you date someone at work? Is it against the policies of the
position to mix romance with finance? Check your human resource
policy manual. Some companies design employee relationship
policies against dating to relinquish liability.
2) Think long term
Dating at work can be a drag if the
relationship sours. You might have to see and interact with this
person daily. The butterflies in your stomach will turn to
heavy bricks of despair and regret when the thrill is gone.
3) No public
displays of affection in the office
Any
smooching, hand-holding and PDA at work are prohibited. Period. Who cares if you found a quiet secluded broom closet to “get
your freak on?” Want to get caught by the janitor or your boss
and risk ridicule and career suicide?
If you’re single and searching for
love, work may be the best place to find a kindred spirit with
common interests. Taking a trip on the office love train can be
complicated yet exhilarating. Prepare for the best ride of your
life or a constant reminder of a one night stand with the date
from hell.
Mechele Pellebon's career advice gives working women
the
know-how to turn failure into success, and the
encouragement to not spend another second in a job they
don't absolutely love. Follow
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