Office Romance …
Two Weeks Notice and Working Girl … what do these two romantic comedies have in common, other than the happily-ever-after theme? For any Rom-Com movie lover, the answer is obvious … they both take place in the office. In keeping with work related romances featured in films there is also Fatal Attraction and 500 Days of Summer but in those movies, the love stories have a less than cheerful conclusion.
As adults, we recognize these positive and negative Hollywood narratives of workroom attractions are fictional, but what is real and relatable are the romantic temptations that sometimes exist on the job. Just like in these dramatic images flashed upon a screen, people in real life find themselves falling hard for a co-worker, an assistant, advisor, or even a boss.
Using these films as examples, I’d like to examine the potential and not so optimistic outcome of a tryst or a serious relationship in the workplace. Keep in mind I am not asserting that healthy and happy relationships cannot be formed on the job, I am merely pointing out some unpleasant situations that could unfold.
- Two Weeks Notice – Let’s expand this storyline into more a more realistic scenario. Imagine you’re working for someone who is in a powerful position and is popular and well known to the public. Initially, it might be flattering and enticing if they took a special interest in you. Perhaps, you both begin to develop feelings, especially if you spend a significant amount of time together. At first you are thrilled with this exciting new connection you’ve made at work, but in the end, you keep a level head and decide to resign from the job. Yet, suddenly your charming boss is having a harder time letting go. Remember, you should consider your employer is an important reference for another job, and if that romantic relationship sours or fails or your departure from the workplace feels like a personal rejection to him/her your future career could be seriously compromised or even ruined.
- Working Girl –
Working Girl Movie, Office Romance
This scenario is tricky. There’s a love triangle, a ton of deception, and a trace of patronizing attitudes towards women. But, I’m more interested in focusing on the unseen outcome of this film. Sure, Melanie Griffith finally breaks the glass ceiling (notwithstanding the obvious help of a brilliant, playboy businessman who becomes her lover). So, what might have happened after the credits rolled? In reality, this couple may have broken up, and true to her flirtatious ex’s character he strikes it up with yet another naïve secretary just trying to make it in the man’s world. This is a fairly common situation where multiple affairs happen in the workplace. You should remain mindful that not all office romances last as long as the career you’ve worked so hard to establish.
- Fatal Attraction – This one is more obvious. Workplace romance already carries a high potential for drama, but an affair? Well, that will certainly raise the stakes! The storyline of two people having a secret sexual encounter behind the office blinds, or under the desk is the stuff of steamy movies, but in reality, as is in this thriller the consequences can be disastrous. It can not only destroy your marriage, family, and sense of safety and security but if that person you have invited into your personal life for just a fling is volatile and obsessively invested in the relationship you could really place yourself in an extremely harmful situation. This hot mess only gets worse when your livelihood is also hanging in the balance.
- 500 Days of Summer –
500 Days of Summer Movie, Office Romance
When you meet someone and instantly feel your heart speeding it is difficult to put on the breaks on that kind of emotional rush. We’ve all felt that intense connection with someone at some point in our lives, and just like in the movies sometimes it can happen with a total stranger. And, just as in this film, love can hit you fast with the arrival of a new co- worker. You may become distracted from the actual job and completely immersed in the person, so much that your work becomes compromised. This can happen even before anything “real” develops, but it can still disturb the efficiency and quality of your professional performance during, and more importantly, after the romance. Many people who have a serious break up become depressed and withdrawn, and having to see your ex all day every day let alone work with them can be challenging at best. Consider the beginning, middle, and potential end of that relationship and how it could negatively affect your career before falling too hard.
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