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Thursday, April 30, 2009

Is The Workplace A Place For Friends?

I am a very social person and love making new friends. I highly value my friendships and want friends who return the sediment. After becoming a mom, my social activities reduced greatly making it harder to hang out with old friends or meet new cool people. The easiest solution seemed to be making friends with coworkers since that's where I spend the majority of my time these days. But, is the workplace the best place to be making friends? Are coworkers trustworthy enough to be considered friends when you're working in a competitive environment? Or, should work and personal relationships be kept separate?

Personally, I tend to get too comfortable around my coworkers and I say things I probably shouldn't. I think I'm talking to people who are my friends but who actually might be just looking out for their own best interest.

I'm curious, have you ever run into a scenario where workmate friendships turned ugly? Would you recommend making friends at work? Are you friends with coworkers and is it same as the friendships who have outside the company?

UPDATE: Poll Result 4/30/09 - 5/7/09

Do you make friends with coworkers?

28% Close friends
72% Acquaintances
00% No
00% Meh

2 comments:

  1. I, for one, have tried to be friends with my co-workers but being a manager it has back-fired a few times. I have to keep my distance and it is a learning curve. Hi Keri! This is Shawna from twitter and Facebook. I am happy to know you as a friend even though we have never met. Best if we never work together,LOL Kidding! The thing is, I would not want the friendship to sour, that is my point. :)

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  2. It depends. As you know, I met your husband and other producers when I was an intern--and I still talk with many of them to this day. But, it can get sticky esp. if your co-workers are insecure which is magnified in social settings. Aside from that, 2 of my closest friends are past co-workers. I think it may be hit or miss!

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