More often that not, hooking up with someone you work with won’t lead to good things.
Tanner Ingle:
It seems that there's temptation everywhere, and the workplace is no exception. After working shift after shift with the same people, before long, friendships begin to develop ... as well as pesky little crushes.
Sometimes it may seem as though it's a good idea to pursue those infatuations, but trust me, it generally is not. If you just want some casual fun, and something to satiate that hormone-driven devil on your shoulder, then you should really start your search outside of the workplace.
Once you begin hooking up with co-workers, it complicates the day-to-day routine at work. It creates more distractions and takes your mind off the job, which seems nice on paper, but once your performance starts to slip due to a lack of concentration, your boss will likely notice. Nobody (especially your boss) likes to work with someone who is sidetracked by a messy co-worker love conundrum.
However, if you absolutely must go after that guy or gal on register one, then just prepare yourself for the consequences. What if you hook up and it's terrible? What if it's fantastic? What if they get clingy? What if you get clingy? If you can handle the post-hookup awkwardness with style and grace then go for it, just don't say you weren't warned if things go sour and you find yourself hiding behind the dish rack every time your fling walks by.
In short, if you desperately want to dip your pen in company ink, then by all means, do so ... just be ready to deal with whatever awkward consequences happen after the fact.
Tanner Ingle is a junior studying studio art and environmental and plant biology. What do you think about hooking up with a co-worker? Email him at kb749012@ohio.edu.
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Abbey Peyton:
The work environment brings people together. Whether it's complaining about the boss or helping each other work through a busy day, we spend a lot of time with our co-workers.
Working with a person creates a bond only people who are employed would understand. This bond has the tendency to lead to an even closer bond, and sexual attraction is likely to stem from this.
Hooking up with a co-worker is never a good idea, i.e. The Office, and most places of employment even require their employees to sign a contract stating that this will never happen, i.e. Parks and Recreation.
Sometimes, though, it's decided that the benefits of satisfying that sexual desire outweigh the possible issues it may cause between the two of you at the workplace. The past two years, I've been fortunate to work at two different places with a strong sense of family; the co-workers I've had at these past two jobs are all close and truly have each others' backs.
And, yeah, I will admit there have been some lookers mixed in the balance and the thought has definitely crossed my mind that maybe getting them into bed wouldn't be such a bad idea. I've never personally dealt with the awkwardness that can come from hooking up with a co-worker, though, but I have had numerous friends who definitely have.
From the looks of it, it's a generally bad idea to hook up with co-workers. But sometimes it can lead to something even bigger. My best advice is to take it with stride, and it's probably a good idea to avoid bumping uglies with the bossman (or woman).
Think it through, but do what will make you happy with whomever will make you happy. Sure, things might be awkward for a while around the bar or office or wherever you work, but hey, ain't hooking up awkward in general anyway?
Just keep in mind that, come Monday, or whenever your next shift is, you're going to be working with someone who has seen you naked. If you're cool with that, then, by all means, get your jollies where you can.
Abbey Peyton is a senior studying broadcast journalism. Do you think getting involved with someone you work with is a good idea? Email her at ap384611@ohio.edu.
