Setting Boundaries: At Work and Personal Lives

Have you bonded with your colleagues outside of work? Do you need to inform your Manager about it? Does it create nasty gossip after the fun? 

Well, five months ago, Ms. new employee invited us for a weekend escapade. The idea sounded appealing, so eight of us from the office went together. I know, nothing was wrong about it because the spree was not related to work at all. It was just socialization with fellow employees beyond the workplace, and take note, we never talked about work at that moment, we never cursed our bosses or anyone else. It has been just about savoring the end of a busy workday.

What at the fun on Friday night became an issue on Sunday morning in the office. Can’t you believe it? When one of my colleagues posted our pictures in her social account, it was circulated to another group of employees instantly. Some sent a message asking why we didn’t invite them, others were just saying to our faces like “you went out, hmm?” So annoying right?

But here’s the real story. After ten months, the new employee was terminated and under investigation because of fraud. My boss came to me and voiced that I should have not to go out with this person. As an accountant, I should have known that she’s having a financial problem, and blah blah blah.

At first, I was shocked by his opinion. I get it that he doesn’t want me or our department to be involved in the other’s mess especially when it comes to money. I know that for sure that’s why I am working carefully.  But his opinions sound so judgemental and I tried to prove my point that leads to little disagreement.

First, the weekend escapade was personal. What happened to Ms. new employee was not related to that event at all.  Though I am an accountant, I have no right to check people’s personal finances, on or before I would accept their invitations. Simply as that. There must be a boundary between work and personal life, and I have no intention to mind other’s business.

Honestly, I never was drawn into personal conversations at work with anyone. I know who my friends are at the office and whose I can trust, and that is enough. I have never accepted anyone’s Facebook and IG’s invitation from my colleagues because I am fully aware of our culture and religion differences, and of course, I want to leave the “private me” and “professional me” clearly in line.

So my job is to debit and credit, and not to be involved in people’s life. Please try to understand what RESPECT means is.

 

Photo by: Maricris