Now that you’ve gotten acclimated in your new accounting career, you’ve noticed a special someone. Maybe this person has been on this journey with you since the college days. Perhaps it’s the relatability to your accounting struggle, or the way they explain the new 199(a) regulations that gets you. You recognize that you are smitten and you’re wondering if you should go for it? Let’s explore this further, shall we?
Shooting Your Shot
If you are considering getting into a romantic relationship with someone at your office, first determine what your office policy is on this. You do not want to be all in love with someone only to find out that you are violating company policy.
Next, be sure that the feeling is mutual. Maybe you are mistaking someone’s eye contact and conversation for chemistry. If you are sure that this person is in to you, they are single, and it does not violate company policy-then shoot your shot.
Considering All the Outcomes
So you go for it and ask this person out, you are now dating, and falling “in like” fast. Consider all the outcomes. What if it does not work out, could you still maintain a professional working relationship with them? What if they get promoted to a superior role and you have to take orders from this person, would you be able to handle that?
Many accountants have found love in this field. I think the key to making a relationship work with someone in your office, is maintaining a separate professional and personal life. When you are working, you have to agree to be in “working mode” where you don’t take things personally, only professionally. Once you both leave work, agree to leave work in the office. You have literally spent all day at work, do not go home and talk more about work.
Avoid “Situationships”
While you may not be looking for your husband or wife, the workplace isn’t the place for games. If you dare date someone at work, take it seriously. This is not the place for “situationships” that include gray areas, confusion, and game playing. It should be clear whether or not you are in a relationship and I think exclusivity is best. There are so many other places outside of work where this type of foolishness can flourish, the workplace does not need to be one of them.
Stay Focused
Love is cute and all, but you still have a job to do. Make sure that you are able to handle working at your best level even with “bae” sitting across from you. Set boundaries from the beginning so that you do not get distracted. This will look different for each couple but you could implement a rule of how many IM’s your sending daily.
Ultimately, finding love in the office could be a beautiful thing. If it happens organically and it makes sense, by all means go for it. If you are the type of person who can handle an office love, salute to you! I have met many couples who have met and married in this profession- so I know it can work. Keep it professional, take it seriously, and stay focused.
As an aside, if you are in the market for an accountant to date-conferences are a great start. The prospects are endless 😉