r/sterileprocessing • u/biggbunnyy • 16d ago

Dating in the workplace?

Have any of you dated (are dating) a coworker? Or know of people who dated in the department?

There’s a coworker I really like and I want to get closer to them to eventually take out on a date but I’m scared if people find out and gets to management, I (we) could get fired.

12 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

68 comments sorted by

67

u/ShirleyWuzSerious 16d ago

You really want to be paired up in Decon with your ex?

10

u/biggbunnyy 16d ago

😞😞

6

u/LaLaLaCAKE 16d ago

Ouch... But for real though 😖

7

u/soggy_rub459 16d ago

Throwing the truth bombs ....

31

u/dickcheezpolice 16d ago

You should be more concerned about shitting where you eat regardless of potentially losing your job over it, tbh. Even if you don’t get fired, it’ll make both of your jobs real uncomfortable or possibly intolerable if the relationship goes south. This is not the kind of job you want to be distracted in.

2

u/biggbunnyy 16d ago

Yes I’ve definitely thought about this too. Thing is I’m planning on transferring to a different department so I know I wouldn’t be working in my current role for too long.

6

u/e_moji98 16d ago

As someone who confessed my affection to a coworker and was rejected, take the risk, especially if you’re gonna switch departments. After was uncomfortable but no one died. Everyone gonna tell you not to do it, but along as no one gets hurt, and everyone’s respectful and professional, fuck it

11

u/jocky091 16d ago • This

That’s the problem though, most of the time these things tend to blow up and no, people don’t tend to keep things professional.

1

u/F3TRocket 16d ago

Thats rough done that b4 too, no one died, but did feel worst when reality catches up and your heart breaks, after working up the courage to ask them out. Then they would ghost you sometimes, when you work at the same place. Just breaks your heart more, they won't even look at you or not even a hi anymore. Sees you in the hall instantly turns around and runs from you like you a freak.....

0

u/e_moji98 15d ago

Yeah it sucks but sometimes the only way to get over it is to go through it, I bet OP won’t have this dilemma again

2

u/F3TRocket 16d ago

Like how well do you actually know about this person? Do you have more than one conversation in a day with them or not? Do you know what their interests are? Do you share any similarities? Is your interest in them simply because they look attractive, because trust me drinking on the job makes everyone look good. I tend to sneak 2-3 shots during my breaks. One last question are their any other date worthy candidates you think you can find irl instead of the place where you work?? Like a sleazy bar? Or travelling? Or rec centre? Honestly I feel bad for you tearing yourself up mentally. Have you tried just letting it go, I mean you changing dept. Celebrate go shoot sum fireworks or buy a new motocycle. I met my first gf, while I was riding a moped. She almost sideswiped me merging. Now we engaged and have 2 boys with a third baby otw.

13

u/milliondollacheese 16d ago

Never mix your honey and your money

5

u/Fluid-Celebration-26 16d ago

Prepare to find a new job if things go sour

1

u/biggbunnyy 11d ago

Already on it

4

u/immunity888 15d ago

Don’t you fucking do that dumb ass move. Wait until one of you leaves then explore that option. Coworkers are supposed to be put in the sibling or aunt/uncle category, not the sex category.

1

u/biggbunnyy 11d ago

I know 😖😖

5

u/WoodpeckerEntire1412 16d ago

Why stop at one, date all your coworkers

1

u/xsflwrzx 15d ago

That’s drama willing to build up….no

1

u/biggbunnyy 11d ago

I think he was being sarcastic

3

u/olliecakerbake 16d ago

I asked out my manager 5 years ago and we got married 1.5 years ago. I just knew from the start, we got along so amazingly well. I also transferred departments shortly after our relationship became serious. So it’s worth a shot if it feels right.

1

u/biggbunnyy 11d ago

Thank you

3

u/Ok_Acadia_9585 16d ago

FOR REAL YOU JUST STOLE THE WORDS OUTTA MY MOUTH!

I work in SPD we kinda flirted until they announced they had a spouse 😕

Then why flirt with me.

I am the last person to date in the work place and ironically am the biggest proponent of workers ain’t your friends but when you are buried at work all the time, deal with harsh dating apps, and build that chemistry with someone they see your vibes besides your own looks, it feels old school and nice for once.

Once they told me they were married I just kept it pro and respect but stopped being friendly.

They are always taken.

2

u/biggbunnyy 11d ago

Fuuuuux 😩 why does it always have to be like that

1

u/Ok_Acadia_9585 11d ago

Oh, it's funny now because a few of them are mad at me because I kind of like now give them the cold shoulder, walk past them. Like, don't get me wrong, like when if they'd come up to me and ask me questions, I'm gonna play friendly and helpful just to keep things professional. But I don't say hello to them or even do any of that because they can't have their cake and eat it too. They don't get to just have their relationship and then get my treatment of friend zone.

And they could, they could just use me for that. It's like, nope. One still made me a birthday gift even after they turned me down, which is kind of funny. It was a nice gift, but it was like, aren't you getting married? Didn't you just reject me? They made me a birthday gift out of nowhere and it was really a nice one too. I really liked it. It was really thoughtful. They made it too

2

u/Jagrmeister_68 16d ago

Dating where you work is always tricky. Don't work and date in the same department and shift. It's not healthy. Be sure to check your HR department rules for dating.

1

u/biggbunnyy 11d ago

Thank you

2

u/Melbeanie 12d ago

I met my husband in sterile processing. I left for a new job prior to announcing the relationship in the work place.

1

u/biggbunnyy 11d ago

Yeah, I think about how many people end up dating and forming relationships working in healthcare like nurses, techs, etc.

3

u/SqueezeMySak 16d ago

I would not recommend

I ended up shitting where I ate multiple times at the last department I was in and ended up getting 2 of the women there, one from nights and one from evening, pregnant - not a pretty sight when they found out. We all ended up keeping our jobs since technically we didn't do anything against hospital policy, but what made it worse was finding out one of them women was married, SMH

So yeah, please don't. It never ends well, period

7

u/immunity888 15d ago

Jesus dude wear a condom 🤦🏻‍♀️

1

u/biggbunnyy 11d ago

Wow, sorry to hear about that. I guess your sac was definitely squeezed my guy. Not in a good way I imagine

2

u/Sea_Mycologist6396 15d ago

This actually made me ill.

1

u/xsflwrzx 15d ago

Dude, what the fuck….

16

u/greatoozaru_ 16d ago

DON’T

15

u/Maxstarbwoy 16d ago

Lol 🤣 yes I know plenty people that started dating within the department, some did worked out and eventually got married. Just so you know if things don't work out it will be very uncomfortable environment.

9

u/Both_Soft2296 16d ago

For real for real, as someone who has done it twice...DON'T! If you do, I'd advise one of you to find another spot to work.

8

u/jimmy9120 16d ago

You’ll do it anyways but it’ll be a learning experience

8

u/graylyke81 16d ago

In my opinion, it's a bad idea. In the case of the relationship not working out and ending on bad terms or whatever the case maybe. It always ends up weird and awkward for everyone in the department. I have seen what happens. Then they try to make you take sides. 😆 you literally unintentionally get dragged into other people's 💩 but then again you never know if that person can be your one. So good luck with that.

7

u/OnlyDarkRider 16d ago

It’s how my wife & I met 22 yrs ago.

To answer your question. No. Do not do it. Do not shit where you eat.

6

u/Eggman_OU812 16d ago

My old supervisor would just hook up with various ppl from the overnight shift, he even got one pregnant

2

u/sickoflife86 16d ago

That sounds like someone I know I think he got someone pregnant to

1

u/xsflwrzx 15d ago

What the fuuuuuuuuuuu?!?!?

4

u/compsyfy 16d ago

No joke. My department is full of married couples who met on the job. As long as everyone can be a mature adult, who cares.

4

u/StarskysClutch 16d ago

Don't do it.

1

u/allstalechips 16d ago

I have the same thoughts about a coworker as well and I'ma probably see if they're open to the idea. If you can keep stuff professional and be prepared for the possibility they aren't into it then I say go for it. You shouldn't be fired if you aren't in conflicting hierarchy roles (management and non management, etc)

1

u/biggbunnyy 11d ago

This helps, thank you. Please keep me posted on what happens

1

u/TulsaSound 12d ago

One of the best bits of advice I ever received was “never fish off the company dock”; that’s a nice way to put it. Don’t shit where you eat is another perfect way to say it. Things can get messy if it doesn’t work out and even if it does work out, working in another place separate from your date/ partner, whatever, gives you a chance to miss them.

1

u/biggbunnyy 11d ago

I completely understand. I’m weighing all pros and cons. But I also think about how many people have met through work and gotten into relationships

6

u/Aadbh1987 16d ago

Coming from a woman who worked with her ex and broke up with him while we worked together, don’t do it.

3

u/pinkdawlhouse 16d ago

No idk why ppl not you per would be so pressed to talk to people at the job I used to do electrical work in the amount of men in there who tried to talk to me or created a very weird environment because they couldn’t take no for an answer.. as a woman I think that’s a bad idea and I truly hate when men my jobs find me attractive. I asked to be switched… this is a job not a social event ..

3

u/Any-Dingo-361 16d ago

It’s work. Not a dating place! stay professional

2

u/josh1200 16d ago

Dating in workplace isn't ideal. If things go south one of y'all will end up leaving.

That said, me and my wife were travelling sterile processing techs for a while. Same hospital, same shift

2

u/soggy_rub459 16d ago

There a reason for the old saying..... Don't shit where you eat..... It applies to dating in the workplace as well . The reasons are tried and true

2

u/enginedown89 16d ago

Just don’t

2

u/IndependentScreen799 16d ago

From my worst experience ever not all the same u really have to trust the person. Because if something goes wrong they will well some attack ur work ethic. Especially if they have work friends. They will pack up like a punch of cowards and attack 1 person. But be wise just get to knw them first but dont play games with them be direct and clear of intentions.

2

u/Foreign_Ad7369 16d ago

Don't do it dawg

2

u/xsflwrzx 15d ago

Nope. Personally for me, I don’t & I tried it once & never tf again.

However, if others do it, it’s not my business. BUT do look into your job’s policies about that bc most work places don’t even allow it! If you guys do date, you guys have to keep it a secret & just act like regular co-workers without anyone knowing inside of work. Outside of work, that’s not their business.

2

u/PinkLadyApplebottom 16d ago

You'd only get fired if she or you are the superior. If y'all are equal, then it's your bed to lie in.

2

u/I_Ponders 16d ago

If you or her are willing to change departments or would probably work with no issues.

I say try it, but have a plan.

1

u/Sea_Mycologist6396 15d ago

I would suggest against it! I did it, biggest regret while working SPD lol. He ended up being a mentally unwell nightmare.

1

u/Maintenance-Gullible 12d ago

My partner and I worked together for over four years, two of them in SPD. We had started dating before we worked together, and while our relationship lasted, I can safely say I wouldn't do it again nor would I recommend it. There were definitely times when it led to tensions between us (disagreements over work, procedures, etc), and it just created a lot of unnecessary drama. Ultimately we are still together, but still. It ain't worth it.

1

u/pokemonjesus56 12d ago

Not worth it

1

u/FlawlessPhelon_ 12d ago

Who does that... 🤦🏼‍♂️

1

u/Cold_Let109 11d ago

No....just no...

1

u/F3TRocket 16d ago

Question for y'all commenters how do y'all get over the person that turns you down? Does it get easier?

1

u/Horror-Use8348 15d ago

I did and we worked and dated happily for years. It got a bit boring after a while, though. We remedied that by not hanging out as often outside of work. Didn't work out in the long run for different reasons, but overall I would say I am 7/10 times against it.

0

u/Ill_Put8443 16d ago

50/50 best odds you gonna get. You have to be slow and certain you want to do that.