Hanging with the Co-Workers: Good or Bad?

It isn’t always easy to find new friends after college.

By Lauren

Unlike freshman year in the dorms, the real world doesn’t provide you with a place filled with hundreds of people just like you looking for new people to drink (and hook up) with. Well, I guess that might happen if you move to Murray Hill in New York City, but for the rest of us that just isn’t a reality.

It seems that most of us make our new real-life friends at work. Which makes sense; we spend so much time at the office (and, oftentimes, need a few drinks afterwards) that it is only natural to get close with the people alongside us. For the most part this is a good thing; there are many times when the only thing motivating you to get to the office is the opportunity to see your buds.

But what happens when things go a bit too far?

Last week I mentioned a friend of mine who explained to me his love for morning sex. Well, that friend also happens to work with me. Actually, I work for him; he’s my boss. Now, this isn’t as creepy as it sounds; he is only 29 and we do hang out socially. But, as I work here longer we get closer and closer the line between personal and professional continues to blur.

At first I didn’t mind that much, but now as we share more and more “after 5” stories, I am beginning to worry about our working relationship. I mean, how can he take me seriously in a business meeting when he saw me puke at the bar? And how can I heed his constructive criticism when all I can think about is the crazy sex he had the night before? Or when I wake up and find him on my couch with my friend visiting from out of town?

I don’t want to stop hanging out with him – mostly because he’s one of the closest friends I have right now! – but I worry that we may make our way down a very awkward road. One that may make working together slightly weird. Or totally impossible.

I want to be taken professionally at my job, but how can I do that when I am partying with the very person who reviews my performance?

And, working 60 hours a week, where else am I going to find friends?!