Nope, don’t work at all, we had to get rid of that distance thang.
I had three rules while I was single.
I could not break any two of those at the same time.
Oddly enough, I discussed this recently with some of my co-workers (I’m the only single guy at a small work site). I opined, “The most fearsome phrase in the world is, ‘I work with my wife!’”
An older, wiser colleague said, “No. The most fearsome phrase in the world is, ‘I work with my *ex-*wife.’”
Myself and my wife met at work about 9 years ago. At the time, we worked in the same office - just a couple of desks away. We were secretive at first but the cloak and dagger stuff is almost impossible to maintain, particularly when you arrive within a minute of each other in the morning. Our case also wasn’t helped by a television camera zooming in on us holding hands at a major sporting event!
We still work in the same Government Department but we no longer work together. We have had no difficulties but we knew there would be no ‘company policy’ problems. Office relationships would be common enough and people are open about them after the initial stages (unless they’re extra-marital;)). I can understand, however, how it might have been awkward if things didn’t work out - I hope I never have to face that prospect.
In some places those restrictions would leave you with very few options. I don’t know about you, but looking for a date at Sunday school or the local convent is not my stlye.
Move. Now.
My ex GF and I met while we both were working at Barnes & Noble and we started “fooling around” while we were both working in the music department.
Problem # 1: She had a boyfriend at the time.
Problem # 2: I was a head cashier while she was a mere book/music seller.
How did things work out?
Well, she had me arrested and charged with stalking her, so that kinda answers your question, doesn’t it?
About 15 years ago, I dated a woman I worked with for a couple of years. At least on my end, it was quite serious – at some points I wanted to marry this woman, but we never made that commitment leap. In any case we apparently had a monogomous relationship.
As time went on, the relationship soured, we broke up.
Shortly thereafter, I found out she had been boinking several other people at the office during the time we were dating.
And she was seen picking up men and taking them home from the pick-up joint across from work in the last several months of our relationship. Really.
And everyone at the office seemed to already know all about this except me. (!!)
Imagine what something like this can do to your work morale. After a bad coupla weeks, I quit. It didn’t screw up my career, luckily, but there’s no way in Hell I could have worked at that place ever again.
Tread carefully, my friend.