Have you been considering asking out that cute or handsome coworker of yours?
Are you concerned how dating might affect your professional relationship and standing in the company?
It’s important to assess the situation before making decisions on dating a coworker. This article will outline the pros and cons of sparking up a romance at work.
Pro: Common Ground
The best relationships are built on common experiences or interests.
The sheer fact that the two of you are working together indicates that you have common experiences. You share new experiences every day, always giving you something to talk about.
The mere fact that you sit near each other in the same office is bound to build up attraction. People tend to be more attracted to people who are in close proximity to them more often.
You will also know the same people and likely have the same work social circle. This again gives you more things to talk about and can keep conversations lively.
Con: Office Gossip
If you’re just starting out at a company or trying to work your way up, it might be best to keep romance out of work.
When you date a coworker, the two of you automatically become the latest source for office gossip.
People will inevitably be talking about the status of your relationship, if it’s going well, and even when it’s going to end.
Having this buzz happening around you at work could distract you from the real reason you’re there- to advance your career.
Pro: Similar Schedules
One advantage of dating someone you work with is that you likely have similar schedules.
This can make planning after work dates super easy. Often times in adult life you meet someone really great but they work different hours from you or have other commitments and you hardly get to see them.
When you work in the same place you pretty much know where your romantic partner is 40 hours a week, and you can therefore easily plan romantic outings.
Con: Breaking Up Is Rough
One of the main disadvantages of a romance at work is the break-up.
Consider the fact that you will be trapped in a confined space with this person all week long even after you break up.
If things end badly, you’ll have to constantly see them by the water cooler, or bump into them in the break room. The awkwardness that is sure to ensue when you break up is enough to keep many people running away from an office romance.
Consider These Pros and Cons Before Sparking a Romance at Work
Keep this list of pros and cons in mind before you start an office romance.
Office romances can be incredible and turn into lifelong partners, but they can also end terribly and making working together uncomfortable.
Be sure to assess where you’re at in your career and with your company before taking the risk on an office romance.
Like this article? Want to read more about life in the office? Check out our article on deciding between an open office and a closed one.