The pros and cons of dating your boss

As soon as you shook your boss’s hand for the first time, you felt a connection. When your eyes met, the attraction was undeniable. When you’re working together, the energy of the attraction fuels you to do your best work each day.


Even though you’re over the moon about your newfound love, it can be tricky to date your supervisor. If you’re thinking about getting involved with the boss, there a few important things to keep in mind. Here are some of the pros and cons of dating your boss.

Pros: 1. You’re more excited about going to work

If you need motivation to go to work, there’s nothing like the thought of your honey waiting for you at the office. That long commute and those annoying co-workers won’t even phase you. Bring on the work day. It doesn’t even feel like work when you share an office space with your significant other (if the relationship is going well, that is).

2. You’ll dress better

Most of us aim to look presentable when we go to work. However, when you know someone you’re interested in dating will be at the office, you make more of an effort to look really good. This can serve to help you not only catch your love interest’s eye but also get you noticed by management (as long as you’re dressing professionally). Employees who take pride in their appearance are more likely to get better assignments and be promoted. No one wants a sloppy employee representing their company, so keep paying attention to your appearance, even if your crush won’t be in the office that day

3. You’ll have a career edge

While this shouldn’t be your motivation for pursuing a relationship, dating the boss has career advantages. You might have a better chance of getting promoted and you’ll also have access to a wider network. Once you and your supervisor start getting serious, his or her contacts will now become your contacts. You’ll have the added benefit of learning about job openings much quicker or even obtaining access to positions before they’re even announced.

Cons: 1. You could lose your job

If things don’t work out between you and your boss, things could get ugly. It’s bad enough you’ll have to see each other every day after the breakup, but also keep in mind your boss could retaliate if your relationship goes down in flames. This could take the form of getting the worst assignments, terrible work hours, and possibly even losing your job. Make sure you have your resume in shape just in case your office romance sours.

2. Your co-workers could find out

If your co-workers find out about your love affair, you’ll be seen as the boss’s pet. Consequently, every favor or plumb assignment will be seen as preferential treatment. You may be well qualified for the job, but outsiders may start to think you’re only getting ahead because you’re sleeping your way to the top. You may even lose some of your work friends. Jealousy and nasty office gossip will likely be centered on you. A once dreamy work place could turn into your worst nightmare in a matter of minutes.

3. You could hurt your career

While dating the boss could be a good move for your career, it could also work the other way around. If you and your boss went against company policy and decided to date each other anyway, you could risk hurting your career in the long run. News gets around, and if potential hiring managers find out you don’t know how to follow company rules, this may not work out so well for you.