Advice for Careers and Romance
Can your career stand the chance of an office affair?
While Hollywood and TV have dramatized the "wonderful" time within the office, reality says that most often Career and Office flings get flung.
There must be a full moon out - I have been receiving some strange (well, strange to me) emails and questions for Career Advice. This week I'm posting my responses. Most of these questions concern how to handle romance with Career - Office Affairs, flings while working your way up the ladder, whatever other cliche you might call it. Somehow, Success with Career and Office Romance seems a bit, well, Hollywoodish. Here goes:
DISCLAIMER - Please note - I do not intend for any of this to be taken as professional advice - just my own two cents worth, as readers took the time to ask.
Dear CA - what are the official rules for handling a hot romance at the office?
RULES??? There are none - other than you'd better make sure most of your co-workers don't get annoyed and that it does NOT interfere with your performance - on your work, I mean.
To be blunt - it is better NOT to have an office romance - as at least one person is most likely to be fired or told to quit - especially if both parties are not single. But as we do not live in a perfect world - just keep it quiet and don't share stories and gossip about your latest date with others at the office.
Dear CA - I really like a co-worker in my office, and I am sure she likes me - we do flirt at office parties and such - how do I get the nerve to ask her out?
Flirting at office parties is not a good indication of "like" - however, if you really want to pursue this, first read the answer to the above question. Then, if you still want to proceed, suggest perhaps going on your coffee break together, or even lunch. See her reaction - and if she does go, you can see how she acts with you. Proceed cautiously - you both still need your jobs.
Ok readers - back to you - your comments? Stories? Complaints? These are just a sample of what I have received recently.
________________________________________________________________________
Copyright September 14, 2006. Paym Bergson and Suite 101. All rights reserved.
