Making friendships at work: Is it worth it?

Since I graduated from college, I've met only one co-worker that I've clicked with enough to consider a friend. In fact, we even met up outside of work a few times for drinks, to attend ballgames, etc.

A few years after I left the company, both of us married our sweethearts, which means we hardly see each other anymore. (She invited me to her wedding, and I invited her to mine.)

I have been in the workforce now for almost 10 years and have only been able to forge one friendship. The fact of the matter is that it isn't always easy for a work relationship to morph into a friendship.

People may not gel well together because of age, interests, or priorities. Sometimes you don't know whom you can trust; if the friendship goes awry, it can create a certain awkwardness in the workplace. Also, we may act differently away from the workplace than we do within the confines of a cubicle, thus making us reluctant to expose that side of our personality to someone we work with in a more professional setting.

Personally, I try my best to keep business and pleasure separate. I don't like people prying into my business, which is why I didn't invite any co-workers to my wedding (except the ex-worker I mentioned at the top). I don't want the drama of the workplace spilling into my private life, or vice-versa.

I advise you to be careful about befriending people at work. I'm not saying it can't turn into a genuine friendship, but a lot of people in Corporate America are straight up two-faced.

Have you built long-lasting friendships at your company?

Comments

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