The Career Edit

Monday, May 4, 2026

Off the Clock…or Not

There are certain things people don’t always say out loud at work, but you definitely hear about them. Workplace dynamics, personalities… and sometimes, relationships. I was talking to a coworker recently who mentioned how some people come to work looking for love, and in some cases, not always the kind they’re supposed to be looking for. It made me pause for a second, because where exactly is the line? Is workplace dating something that’s still frowned upon, or is it just two adults navigating life in the same place? And is that any different from couples who were already together and end up working in the same organization?

I’ve seen it go both ways. I know a couple who worked together for years, married, built their careers side by side, retired around the same time, and even came back part-time to the same organization. For them, it clearly worked. But I’ve also seen the other side, where lines get blurred, where people are dating within the same workplace, sometimes more than one person at a time, or even looking for something outside of what they already have. And that’s where things can get complicated… quickly. Because unlike most places, work isn’t something you can just step away from, it follows you into meetings, conversations, and everyday interactions. It actually reminds me of fashion, some people follow the rules, others break them, and sometimes it works effortlessly, while other times it just doesn’t.