We spend so much time at work these days that it makes sense that we’d get to know our co-workers very well. What happens, though, when an innocent friendship turns into something more serious? Workplace romances are usually precarious at best, which is why a large percentages of employers disallow them in the first place. Should you find yourself entering into a romantic relationship with a co-worker, there are some things you should consider.
First of all, you should make sure that an inter-office relationship is not grounds of dismissal. Some companies do not allow them for many reasons, not the least of which is subjecting the entire workplace to a relationship gone bad. If your employer frowns on co-workers dating, you will need to weigh the pros and cons of the relationship versus the job. If the relationship is something you both want, one of you will have to resign or you both chance being fired.
Though it should go without saying, the absolute worst thing about an inter-office relationship is the possibility that it will sour. No one wants to have to continually see their former partner every day on the job, except in the rare occurrence that they manage to part amicably.
Inter-office relationships often fail because it is difficult to have a romantic relationship with someone who you really do not know outside of work. When the job is all you have in common, it becomes more difficult to leave the office at work. Also, anything you tell your partner in confidence about your job or your other co-workers could come back to bite you should your romantic relationship fail.
On the other hand, some spouses often comment that their significant other just “doesn’t understand” what they go through each day at work. Someone who is employed at the same place as you will know, understand and be able to commiserate with you as well as being able to appreciate the good things about your job.
Co-workers who are in relationships, especially in the medical field, rarely get co-occurring days off. Remember that when you’re trying to plan dates or even vacations, or weddings!
Being in a relationship with someone you are dating could also cause a problem were one of you to be eligible for a promotion. Many companies will not allow people who are romantically engaged to supervise one another.
Tags: dating, nurses dating, workplace romance
