Congratulations! For living a life out of your cubicle….but, the flip side of the coin is that your dating options are limited to the surrounding cubicles or probably the cabin tucked away in the little corner – an ivory tower wherein resides your boss for whom you have the hots for! Well, dating your boss, while undeniably kinky, can land you in some rough waters.
Is it such big a deal…now, that’s a million dollar question. This is someone you see at least five days a week, eight hours or more a day, so why not? Why not tap into the sizzling chemistry which is up there for grabbing? Is it your fault that some evil force governing the universe thought it would be funny to give the one person in your office with personality, looks, and a great sense of humor and have you weaving fantasies over that person?
Dating your boss is like playing Russian roulette…a la playing with fire! And if you are the kinds who loves the thrills, then go for it – right up until someone decides to pull the trigger!
Why your boss? What’s so extra special when it comes to dating your boss? You can date anyone for any reason, but then, it’s a different game when that person controls your paycheck.
You worked late on an important project together. Long hours, and close space. Did you realize how much you have in common? Or did you realize how much this person could do for your career? A word of advice – if you are going out all out, be careful because if you are found out, then it would be Monica Lewinski of corporate business revisited and the stigma could follow you to a new job.
Its hunky dory if you get together, things develop and you get married and live a life of bliss! But that is textbook romance! How often does that actually happen? The vast majority of relationships end in disaster – even marriages are as likely to work out as not.
But before walking into the vortex of an office romance with your Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie look- alike boss, always double check if what is your company's employee interaction policy is? And interestingly enough, the main reason why companies have such policies is not because of sexual harassment, but because romantic entanglement and/or squabbling in the workplace can cause distractions and problems with office morale.
But what if I’m already in love with my boss? Or if it’s just chemistry? Yes, most of us would probably have a sense of déjà vu – been there done it! But keep telling yourself – ‘My boss controls what happens in my company. He/She holds my purse strings! And more importantly will write letters of recommendation’ - so if you do find yourself on the street after your romance ends without a recommendation letter, you might find it difficult to get your next job.
Keep your career in mind before you make any moves! And while you are at it, just ensure that you have stoked up your contacts in the industry. And let them know that you would be interested in options! Always healthy to have options open!
The don’ts of your relationship…
You can’t win a game of Russian roulette unless you pull the trigger. And if you can’t find someone else besides your boss that gets you going, then go ahead and take a chance. Just make sure you understand the full scope of what you’re getting into. But a quick check on the don’ts of your relationship
Don't Make Out or Have Sex @ Work: Up there on the fantasy scale, but a definite no no! Sizzling chemistry over the coffee vending machine is one thing, but actually playing footsie or touch me here- touch me there games are a definite no. So keep those hormones in place and focus on work at hand. Being a tease is great, but a step further could spell hari-kari!
Don't Boast: “I’m doing my boss…”, that statement is hari-kari! Your boss could be Adonis or Helen of Troy personified, but keep a check on what you communicate in your office space.
Work gossip is inevitable and sooner or later, it will drag you down. So, incase the urge to burst hits you, blog it all down or take it outside your office!
Don't Have Love Spats At Work. If the night before wasn’t too great, don't bring it in to your meetings! Tell yourself that you are in a circus and you are the master juggler – so even if you are mad at your boss you’re dating, don’t let it bog you down at the meetings. It’s a very thin line – but then, keep telling yourself – “I got into it, so I’ve gotta live with it!”
But the golden rule when it comes to office romance is – have fun, but don’t get caught!
Source: Meenakshi Shankar/ India Syndicate
Also read:
Boss’ gender influences workers' health
Employees don’t mind flirting with boss to get a hike!
