Savvy or not, for a lot of people it’s the only investment available. Socialization is increasingly unavailable to many, and the trend towards WFH is not helping either.
Savvy or not, for a lot of people it’s the only investment available. Socialization is increasingly unavailable to many, and the trend towards WFH is not helping either.
True but I'd rather have more free time to pursue people who I share hobbies with than sharing an office space. Socialization is partially unavailable to many because (in the US) we spend so much...
True but I'd rather have more free time to pursue people who I share hobbies with than sharing an office space. Socialization is partially unavailable to many because (in the US) we spend so much time and money commuting that we don't have time or money for hobbies or other recreation.
Instead of imagining going back to a world where you can maybe hook up with your boss because you work together, imagine a world where you can meet people at the lake fishing, over a game of chess in the park, or at your local hobby shop?
Ah, who am I kidding? It's 2023! We don't go outside or buy things in stores anymore.
The reduction of third places also hurts meeting people in an organic way elsewhere. https://www.intheknow.com/post/what-is-a-third-place-and-why-has-it-practically-disappeared/
The reduction of third places also hurts meeting people in an organic way elsewhere.
I realize it's a typical FT toss-off filler piece, but they could at least have done a little homework on all the downside risks of office "romance". Speaking on the basis of what I've seen and...
I realize it's a typical FT toss-off filler piece, but they could at least have done a little homework on all the downside risks of office "romance". Speaking on the basis of what I've seen and experienced:
Yes, there are occasions when people try to f*ck their way to promotions. The results are terrible, usually for the parties involved, but also for the subordinates of people who succeed in this stratagy. Sleeping up the org chart is wretched for the morale of people who don't get adequate recognition on their merits.
One-way "romance" by superiors towards subordinates == harassment.
Unsuccessful romantic partners still have to work with each other, at least until another job comes along. This can have all kinds of unexpected fallout for them and their coworkers. Anecdata: It's very difficult to collaborate on a legal brief with someone you're too embarrassed to look in the eye.
Spouse and I have crossed paths at various employers over the years, but I can't say that time spent working together did great things for our relationship. I've been acquainted with spousal partners who worked together in medical and veterinary practices, restaurants, public schools, architectural firms, laboratories, etc. But most of them were so driven and work-focused that it's hard to say that their personal relationships had a presence in their day-to-day activities.
Two of my grandparents met at work. He was a scientist, she was a secretary, but not his secretary. Edit, it's the financial times, so I understand them using an investment lens to interpret life,...
Two of my grandparents met at work. He was a scientist, she was a secretary, but not his secretary.
Edit, it's the financial times, so I understand them using an investment lens to interpret life, but successful romance is much more than an investment.
Similar thing with my parents: he was a young doctor, she a lab-technician. Worked out great. Hell, my brother and sister-in-law got together in high school (well, the German equivalent any way)...
Similar thing with my parents: he was a young doctor, she a lab-technician. Worked out great. Hell, my brother and sister-in-law got together in high school (well, the German equivalent any way) some 10+ years ago, married last year and shortly later had their first child. They make a great couple/family and are amazing parents.
I actually assumed this article was written from a leadership perspective based on the title. I know a number of employees who have stayed at the same company for 5-10+ years simply because their...
I actually assumed this article was written from a leadership perspective based on the title. I know a number of employees who have stayed at the same company for 5-10+ years simply because their spouse/love interest works there too. Maybe those aren't the most focused workers, but that increase in retention has still got to count for something. Although I'm not sure how that balances with resulting HR issues.
Savvy or not, for a lot of people it’s the only investment available. Socialization is increasingly unavailable to many, and the trend towards WFH is not helping either.
True but I'd rather have more free time to pursue people who I share hobbies with than sharing an office space. Socialization is partially unavailable to many because (in the US) we spend so much time and money commuting that we don't have time or money for hobbies or other recreation.
Instead of imagining going back to a world where you can maybe hook up with your boss because you work together, imagine a world where you can meet people at the lake fishing, over a game of chess in the park, or at your local hobby shop?
Ah, who am I kidding? It's 2023! We don't go outside or buy things in stores anymore.
The reduction of third places also hurts meeting people in an organic way elsewhere.
https://www.intheknow.com/post/what-is-a-third-place-and-why-has-it-practically-disappeared/
I realize it's a typical FT toss-off filler piece, but they could at least have done a little homework on all the downside risks of office "romance". Speaking on the basis of what I've seen and experienced:
Spouse and I have crossed paths at various employers over the years, but I can't say that time spent working together did great things for our relationship. I've been acquainted with spousal partners who worked together in medical and veterinary practices, restaurants, public schools, architectural firms, laboratories, etc. But most of them were so driven and work-focused that it's hard to say that their personal relationships had a presence in their day-to-day activities.
Two of my grandparents met at work. He was a scientist, she was a secretary, but not his secretary.
Edit, it's the financial times, so I understand them using an investment lens to interpret life, but successful romance is much more than an investment.
Similar thing with my parents: he was a young doctor, she a lab-technician. Worked out great. Hell, my brother and sister-in-law got together in high school (well, the German equivalent any way) some 10+ years ago, married last year and shortly later had their first child. They make a great couple/family and are amazing parents.
I actually assumed this article was written from a leadership perspective based on the title. I know a number of employees who have stayed at the same company for 5-10+ years simply because their spouse/love interest works there too. Maybe those aren't the most focused workers, but that increase in retention has still got to count for something. Although I'm not sure how that balances with resulting HR issues.
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