.jpg)
Workplace romance seems to be the topic of much water cooler conversation lately. David Letterman’s recent on-air confession along with last night’s episode of “The Office” have shown two very different outcomes to the age-old question: should I pursue a relationship with a co-worker, or just let a crush quietly fade into oblivion?
Letterman confessed to having affairs with several of his staff members over the course of his long-time late night career. In the world of scripted television, Pam and Jim, the on-again, off-again workplace couple in NBC’s popular series “The Office”, finally tied the knot. Sometimes relationships work, and sometimes they don’t. But when it’s a workplace romance, the adventure can get very complicated.
It’s important to consider the following when you are wondering whether or not to act upon your romantic feelings towards a co-worker:
1. Is it someone in a higher or lower position than yourself? If this is the case, you could be putting your career at risk. Avoid unnecessary additional scrutiny and potentially hindering your chances of getting a raise or promotion by letting this relationship go. Also, make sure you know company policies regarding dating, because it’s likely if you pursue a relationship with someone of a different seniority level, you are violating protocol.
2. Weigh the costs and benefits. Is career advancement within your company more important than finding a partner, or are you primarily looking for a relationship? Decide what’s best, as eventually one of you could leave your job.
3. What’s the worst that could happen? Unfortunately, should you pursue a romance that later goes south, you could have a worst-case scenario on your hands: no job, no partner, and no references. Be prepared by planning for this and asking yourself what the next step would be. A benefit from this exercise: it might show you that you aren’t so in love with your job and/or your partner, and a change of scenery might be good.
4. Maintain office decorum. This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to keep public displays of affection and flirtation out of the workplace. This only fuels office gossip and can prevent you from giving 100% to your job. If your job performance takes a dive, it may be time to reconsider your office rendezvous.
Comments
Office romances can be fun but you have to weigh the risks and both parties need to have the maturity required to handle it if things go south. Many times the HR departments will make people dating sign paperwork with them to protect both parties. I wrote an article on this a while back on my page www.tiyurl.com/drpexaminer great job!
I'm dating someone at work and it's been a royal nightmare keeping things hidden. It's tough and some people just can't let sleeping dogs lye, you know what I mean? He's worth the hassle though... sometimes, no matter the risk or the tough times it may cause both people, love is worth it- it always wins and that's what keeps me going:)
I was involved in an office romance myself, and it kinda went south. I think you should tread carefully with this and weigh the costs and benefits before you make a decision to pursue someone at work. I was much younger and very naive then, so didn't always make the right choices. :) Thanks so much for your feedback!!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!