Many people desire to work and live in big cities with many growth opportunities.
But housing in such places is expensive, not to mention food and other necessities as well.
To solve this, people are opting to share a house with their co-workers.
But, Is It a Bad Idea to Be Roommates with a Co-Worker?
Living with a co-worker is not an unusual occurrence. Many people do it, and it’s becoming common these days. However, while it offers some benefits, it may not be the best idea. The issue with such living arrangements is that they mostly start with occupants having the best intentions. But later on, it can lead to disaster.
What Are Five Questions to Contemplate Before Deciding to Live with a Co-worker?
Living with your colleague is not as bad as it seems to be.
But, before you make this move, you have to ask yourself several questions to help you make the best decision. These include:
1. Is Your Colleague Reliable at Work?
This question may not make sense at first. However, how your co-worker acts at the workplace impacts your living situation.
Do they keep time? Or are they latecomers? Do they go to work prepared for the tasks of the day, or do they try to find excuses to avoid tasks?
Securing employment is challenging. So, many people will do everything to keep their job. If your co-worker seems unreliable at work, living with them may not be the best idea.
2. Do You Work Closely Together at Work?
Sharing a house with someone may seem like a perfect decision. However, it’s easy to get sick with them if you spend your entire day and night with them.
For example, if you spend your day sitting next to each other in the office, you may want to have a break from that person at night.
3. How Is Their Work Attitude?
Is your co-worker easy to work with? Are they enthusiastic?
Do they keep things to themselves or go around complaining?
Since you see them at work, you’ll probably already know.
Therefore, deciding whether they are an excellent match to live with should not be hard.
4. Do They Love Gossiping?
It’s a bad idea to share a room with someone who’s in everybody’s business and loves gossiping.
If you want to keep your life private and separate from work, you should find someone who is not happy to share your business with other colleagues at work.
It’s crucial to ensure that you and your roommate share a similar sense of privacy and boundaries before you move in together.
5. Conflict Of Interest Issues?
It is best to live with someone with the same job title or level. If you or your roommate is promoted, it could lead to serious conflict and an obstacle to advancing your career.
So, it would be best to pick someone with the same level as you in your company.
Pros and Cons of Living with Your Colleague
Pro: Save Money
The main reason you’d want to live with someone else is to save money.
Splitting bills make things affordable, and you will get better accommodation. It also means you can find a desirable place to rent close to your office.
Additionally, carpooling may be a great idea since you go in the same direction every morning and evening.
You can create a chart with turns to drive or pay the amount needed to the car owner if one of you doesn’t have a car.
Con: Lack of Privacy
Even best friends have misunderstandings. However, these disagreements can be awkward when you are living together.
It may feel like you cannot escape your colleague and can’t get your “me” time.
Agree on the times you should each spend apart and ensure that you both understand that such moments are not personal.
That way, your roommate will not feel bad when you go out with your other friends or spend quiet time in your room.
Remember that working together doesn’t mean that you be in each other’s space. In fact, allowing some time alone can be healthy for both of you.
Pro: Cleaning is Easy
Another good thing about living with someone else is that you can split chores with them.
Therefore, making cleaning easy. Sometimes, you may be lucky to avoid duties you don’t like as your roomie can do them.
However, to avoid crossing each other’s paths, it’s best to create a chore chart that keeps you both accountable.
Con: Gossiping May Be an Issue
It is one thing to vent about the hard day you have had in the office with your housemate in the evening.
However, this may not be appropriate if your roommate is your colleague.
Your roomie may be a good friend to the person you are complaining about, and they may tell them how you feel the next day.
This can create awkwardness at work and home. You may even have trouble doing your job effectively.
Remember that vice versa is true. You may not appreciate your housemate gossiping about someone you are fond of at work. Ultimately, it can ruin the trust that can destroy your relationship.
Pro: You Might Make a Best Friend
Hopefully, you’ve chosen each other as roommates as you get along well.
While there may be financial benefits, there’s also the possibility that you will have some good times together and build a strong friendship.
However, there are also chances that your new relationship may monopolize your time at work. You may share several in-jokes but don’t take them to the office as they can make your other workmates feel left out.
Cons: Different Personalities
Your friend may be funny, helpful, charming and responsible at work. But don’t be surprised that they may act differently at home.
They may be lazy to do house chores or play loud music at night. Such traits can lead to conflicts.
But you can avoid them by setting boundaries and establishing basic house rules and a cleaning chart.
Conclusion
Many people live with their colleagues in a shared space.
But, while it offers various benefits, it has some drawbacks that you shouldn’t overlook.
We recommend weighing the pros and cons of this decision before you settle, and if you decide to live with a co-worker, please choose one carefully and establish some ground rules early.
