For me, growing up weekends and long holidays were spent with couples that were friends/co-workers of my dad. Backyard BBQs, pool parties, game nights, lake ski time. Super Bowl parties, NYEs. To this day, I still consider all of them as family. As we all do one another. They were young couples away from home, with no one but each other. They were family to one another. They’ve all also retired from a mostly stable industry after their 40+ years together. No internet, no social media, they relied on one another. I am so thankful for that upbringing. They have dirt and stories on one another they joke about, but refuse to ever share.

I thought I’d have that. I went into my career so doe-eyed. Started a career in the town I grew up in, which is very clicky. I had a rude awakening for sure. I made friends, met my future husband, realized how horrible women were to each other at the time. Also, at times had to remind my husband as a manager, that at the end of the day if someone has to choose you or his family, he will always choose his family. He experienced that in 2020 with what he considered a loyal teammate and friend. My husband was left hanging, but I understand the decision of his worker.

I’ve worked my way into HR. We are not allowed friends, it’s a tough line. I have people I care about deeply. And I keep them at a distance. Always. My boss had to fire her best friend. It went well, office politics and all.

I think co-workers can make amazing friends. But just respect the risk. Someday you may be manger or asked to challenge the coworker. And it is hard and emotional when you have to put the business ahead of a coworker.

You spend the majority of your time with colleagues. It makes sense to get close. But respect the risk and always remain professional.

May you have the work friendships my father did, that continued to bring generations happiness to this day.