Does it matter that I'm not friends with people I work with?
I feel like in order to be professional I need to mentally distinguish coworkers from friends. With maybe only 1 or 2 becoming genuine friends. I kind of dislike how clicky people become otherwise. I'm quite friendly and joke around a lot but I definitely keep the relationship surface level. Not interested in taking it further. There are pros and cons. I miss out on gossip which is a con. The pro is I don't bite myself in the ass by saying or doing something dumb. Am I being professional with this approach or missing out on great friendships? Thoughts on this?
Don’t shit where you eat.
You sound exactly like my boss 🤔 who says he doesn't want to hang out with people from work because he's better than everyone!
That's a shame - Jerry Seinfeld
They are acquaintances only. Be friendly with them by all means, but don't hang out with them outside of the office, except for lunch or something during the work day.
Huge difference between being friendly and being friends. I know the difference and some don't.
I strongly advice against making close friends at work. There should be a clear line. There's enough drama in office life as it is.
I do feel like I miss out on the gossip or the inside scoop. I think gossiping eventually turns into shit talking which is why I stay away from it but man, are they in the loop.
It's not required but it's what makes work insanely fun (for me at least) so would never work with people I wouldn't party with.
I think work is supposed to be pleasant, but I like to keep my fun outside of work. As I write this I also reflect on the paradox it creates. By keeping my fun outside of work, others naturally keep the fun version of themselves away from me, because I'm not offering the fun version of myself. While having fun is important, it leaves a lot of room for carelessness in the workplace.
That's cool if you prefer seperate, it was just my opinion. I wouldn't go to work at all if it wasn't with people I am excited to see everyday.
the real answer is: depends on you and your coworkers.
Very very few coworkers have become good friends, and only after one of us parts ways to another company. Protip: that's also how you know you're friends. Still see them when you're at different companies?
Yep that will be the teller
They are not friends per se. You want that work and personal life separation. You don't want your friend circle and coworkers mixing with each other. Next thing you know your weekend escapades will leak into your office. But still I appreciate like minded colleagues, and will make an effort to socialise with them outside of work.
There are friends of the road and friends by choice. I’m open to making true friends at work.
They are coworkers and colleagues, not friends. Professionals know this.