Working Moms Check-In: Work Spouse Special

[RiseAndWine]

I came across this on Huff Post's FB feed today and thought I'd share: mic.com/articles/115126/your-work-spouse-is-one-of-the-most-meaningful-relationships-in-your-life-here-s-why?utm_source=huffpost&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=pubexchange_facebook

Do you guys have a work spouse? I used to at a prior employment, but I don't here. It's something I feel like I'm really lacking. It's the downside of management because the pool of peers is smaller in general, and then add on top of it my work is very specialized, I feel like I'm on an island of my own sometimes, which is a bummer. So entertain me with your work spouse stories!

[allydncr]

My co-workers are definitely why I am still here in this job, although I wouldn't say I have a "work spouse". I have a sizable group of peers that do the same thing I do, and a couple who work right next to me, so they are probably the closest I have to that. We definitely use each other as a sounding board and vent about work frustrations, etc. I also have a "lunch crew", although I am closer to some of them than others (i.e. some I would eat with when others aren't there, and others it would probably be a bit awkward).

I used to have a couple co-workers who were not in my same position, but whom I was really close with. That's changed now - one is currently on an extended maternity leave, and they've both since changed positions, which has changed our working dynamic.

[sudokufan]

I don't really have a work spouse, but I do consider my team mates to be work brothers and sisters. I mean, we piss each other off, we argue, we eavesdrop and give each other advice on stuff that's none of our business, and finish each other's stories, and are also super caring and supportive and protective. The old "I can make fun of her but don't you dare" dynamic I had with my brother definitely holds. My poor boss definitely has to play Mom on a daily basis. But we're the team that pulls together and gets stuff done, and we always know what's going on with each other's projects and pick up each other's slack without being told, while the rest of our floor just stick to their offices and communicate via email.

[missk0411]

I've had work spouses. I guess one was more like a work uncle--he was my boss and an excellent mentor/advocate. And the one now I call my work "next door neighbor," which is is, literally. I don't really eat lunch with them, though we'll occasionally go out for lunch, but they tend to know what's going on in my work world and some of my private life as well.

[shopgirl]

I don't have a work spouse here, but I have a group of close friends. Definitely makes the day more enjoyable, and I really missed them when I was on maternity leave.

[mamamd]

I don't have a work spouse either but I work in a small office and we all are pretty close. We haven't had any turnover in years so we know each other pretty well. It's really nice. It's not really work/career support all the time but definitely life support.

[booksntea]

Oh, yes, I totally have a work spouse!

He hired me eight years ago and initially was my manager. He is now my partner, and we have inside / outside relationship, where I work from home and he is mainly on the road.

He is the most caring considerate partner I could have ever asked for.

It is a really interesting dynamic because while it is totally platonic, he is a huge part of my life and I do love him. The favorite uncle analogy is probably the closest way to describe my feelings but it has its own unique dynamic.

I would agree that it is one of the most important relationships in my life.