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I think it's funny when I hear people talk about how they have "friends" at work. I believed that too when I got my first job. Well, I believed that until I actually overheard my "best friend" who I ate lunch with regularly and would chat with on a regular basis, pass along a criticism I made about the company to management. I'm quiet and I was working late that day, but she didn't know I was still there. I was absolutely shocked. Then when the layoff came, that I was a part of, some of the other people who had been friendly towards me didn't seem to care.
I have also noticed when someone quits or gets fired, the next day it's just business as usual and everyone has forgotten about the person, like the person had never even worked for the company.
Now I just shut up and do my job without socializing or giving much thought to the other people. I mean, what's the point of pretending to be friends with someone who doesn't really give a flip about you?
I think it's funny when I hear people talk about how they have "friends" at work. I believed that too when I got my first job. Well, I believed that until I actually overheard my "best friend" who I ate lunch with regularly and would chat with on a regular basis, pass along a criticism I made about the company to management.
I think you have the wrong idea of what a best friend really is and really does....
Quote:
Originally Posted by Competent Boob
I mean, what's the point of pretending to be friends with someone who doesn't really give a flip about you?
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
44,550 posts, read 81,117,303 times
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People work to make a living, not to make friends. While there is going to be some socializing, but it's normally superficial chat at lunch. Finding a really good long-term friend at work is rare, always has been, and when it comes time to compete for a promotion any friendship goes out the window.
You can tell if a "friend from work' is a true friend with one simple test. If they still associate with you once you no longer work for the company, they're a friend. If not, they never were a friend in the first place.
I honestly don't care if nobody at work cares about me. I go to work to earn a living, not to be part of a social club. All I expect from my coworkers is to be professional, respectful, and to pull their own weight.
Every workplace is different. I have worked with companies I have made great friendships with, met my husband and enjoyed. I have worked with other companies that just doesn't happen. I think the older you get the less you want to make friends at work.
I think it's funny when I hear people talk about how they have "friends" at work. I believed that too when I got my first job. Well, I believed that until I actually overheard my "best friend" who I ate lunch with regularly and would chat with on a regular basis, pass along a criticism I made about the company to management. I'm quiet and I was working late that day, but she didn't know I was still there. I was absolutely shocked. Then when the layoff came, that I was a part of, some of the other people who had been friendly towards me didn't seem to care.
I have also noticed when someone quits or gets fired, the next day it's just business as usual and everyone has forgotten about the person, like the person had never even worked for the company.
Now I just shut up and do my job without socializing or giving much thought to the other people. I mean, what's the point of pretending to be friends with someone who doesn't really give a flip about you?
So someone whizzed in your cheerios once and that turned you bitter from then on? OK if that's what works for you.
I think it's funny when I hear people talk about how they have "friends" at work. I believed that too when I got my first job. Well, I believed that until I actually overheard my "best friend" who I ate lunch with regularly and would chat with on a regular basis, pass along a criticism I made about the company to management. I'm quiet and I was working late that day, but she didn't know I was still there. I was absolutely shocked. Then when the layoff came, that I was a part of, some of the other people who had been friendly towards me didn't seem to care.
I have also noticed when someone quits or gets fired, the next day it's just business as usual and everyone has forgotten about the person, like the person had never even worked for the company.
Now I just shut up and do my job without socializing or giving much thought to the other people. I mean, what's the point of pretending to be friends with someone who doesn't really give a flip about you?
I agree. I think some of the people who I work with are nice and I enjoy talking to them sometimes, but I don't think we're that close.
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