Should you date your co-worker?

Don?t dip your pen in the company ink

An office romance is bound to happen at some point. You are around your colleagues constantly, providing plenty of opportunities for bonding and even flirtation. However, dating your co-worker necessitates an extreme amount of planning, which can take the spontaneity out of dating.

Don?t make it a fling

It is honestly not worth trying to have a casual relationship with your co-worker. It will end in tears. Ending things will be incredibly awkward, particularly if you then have to watch each other flirt with other co-workers. The only reason you should be going after your colleague is if you think a serious, long-term relationship is going to come out of it. Even then, proceed with extreme caution.

Start on equal footing

Do you have your eye on the new hire on the team you manage? Stop right there. You do not want to mess around with anyone who under you. This will compromise your ability to treat your employees fairly, leading to a whole host of workplace dramas. Also, the girl you have your eye on may only be flirting with you to advance her own career. Worse, she may be reciprocating your advances because she feels pressured by her superior.

You also do not want to date a woman who outranks you, as your colleagues may feel slighted if you receive preferential treatment as a result. Only consider dating co-workers who are your equals in the workplace.

Consider your career

It is generally unwise to sleep with your colleagues because it completely changes the dynamics of your work situation. This can have a serious impact on your career. However, if it is just a job to you with no long-term potential, then feel free to have more fun at work. Do not pursue your work fling if you are heavily reliant on your next paycheck. In a worst-case scenario of an office romance gone bad, you may have to quit to escape the situation, or you may even be fired. Many businesses have a policy against dating co-workers, so you will want to be aware of your company policies before you make any decisions.

Handling the gossip

Prepare to be the target of gossip. Even if you plan on keeping it a secret, it is bound to come out eventually. You and your lady friend will need to discuss a strategy for handling the gossip. To start with, you should agree not to tell anyone at work, even your closest work friends. Once the relationship has progressed, or when co-workers find out anyway, you can revise this decision.

Plan for the break-up

Before you pursue a relationship with your co-worker, consider what will happen when you break up. Do not go into this with your eyes closed, assuming that you will be together forever. Have a plan for what you will do in the event of a messy break-up. Above all, talk about it with your new fling. It is not romantic to have this discussion, but it is absolutely necessary.