Going out with your co-workers (Mixing Business with pleasure)

caliotter3 · Mar 5, 2017

An occasional meet-up at a nice restaurant, maybe to celebrate a retirement, or some other work-related event, ok. But to go out partying on a regular basis, not a good idea. Not wise to develop a reputation as the party animal or person always looking for a happy hour somewhere, sometime.

Sour Lemon · Mar 5, 2017

I think it's fine to socialize with co-workers outside of work, but things should be kept light and positive.

Davey Do · Mar 5, 2017

do you think it's beneficial or not beneficial to go out with coworkers?

Familiarity breeds contempt. The more one becomes acquainted with a person, the more one knows about his or her shortcomings and, hence, the easier it is to dislike that person. The lines between professional and personal relationships become muddled and can lead to putting personalities before principles, a mortal sin in a professional relationship.

But hey- if you like drama in your professional life, go for it!

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Mar 5, 2017

I never ever ever hung out with coworkers outside of work. There was always enough drama at work that I didn't want to bring it home.

loriangel14, RN · Mar 5, 2017

Oh heavens my social circle is mostly coworkers. We are close and hang out all the time. Parties, lunch and we vacation together

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Mar 5, 2017

If you can envision a full moon as representation of a circle of friends, then I am 1/4 of a crescent moon when it comes to socializing. Even in that, it never includes anyone that I work with. I prefer not to endure jealousy, backstabbing, bus-throwing, etc., from people whom I've allowed to take up precious space in my personal life.

Also, I prefer not to encounter visual reminders of my current place of employment when I'm enjoying a night out. Finally, for those few co-workers who have earned my respect, I'd rather not risk losing that by getting to know them personally. It's a personal choice, but I cannot play with the people I work with, and I won't work with the people I play with. How I meet you in person is the category that you will remain in with me for as long as I know you.

But hey, you may feel differently. If you think your arms are long and flexible enough to pull the knives out of your back when that time comes, knock yourself out!

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Mar 5, 2017

I go to lunch or dinner with co-workers (and significant others) occasionally. I work M-F, so the majority of my social circle is made up of co-workers. Unless it's a work-sponsored event, though, we don't party or drink. I don't think there is anything wrong with hanging out with co-workers outside of work, as long as whatever friendships (or lack thereof) don't cross over into affecting the work environment (like favoritism, tension, unfair delegation, etc.).

Libby1987 · Mar 5, 2017

Professional? You know that other professions socialize together? Legal, Medical, LE, Fire.. Why couldn't or wouldn't nurses?

It's not a gender issue, is it? Or another way to separate nursing from other professions?

The question shouldn't be whether it's professional but whether you and your coworkers possess the emotional maturity. If not, then don't socialize with them. And if not, I'd want to know why.

My coworkers are some of my favorite people.

jaderook01, BSN, RN · Mar 5, 2017

It doesn't have to be a bad thing. I still hang with some of my previous co-workers (i.e. friends) from my last career. I've been out a few times with my current co-workers. I wouldn't exist if my own parents hadn't met at work. Heck, my parents own circle of friends many years post retirement still consists of quite a few of their former co-workers.

NicuGal, MSN, RN · Mar 5, 2017

I have worked with many people for over 20 years. I can't imagine never doing anything with them! We celebrate birthdays, retirements, babies, etc. We have Christmas parties and causal get togethers. Does everyone come to things...no, we seem to have a group of about 20-25 that always participate.

See what your comfort level is. You can do somethings and not others.

JadedCPN, BSN, RN · Mar 5, 2017

To answer your question, OP, no it is not unprofessional to go out with coworkers.

That being said, it is a personal choice and one you should consider very carefully as it has the potential to cross over and impact your professional life in a negative way which could then impact your money, and I for one do not like to jeopardize my money.