Search

Given that we spend some 40 hours or more at work per week, it makes sense that we sometimes muddle our romantic lives and our professional ones. In fact, according to a recent poll, 41 percent of working Americans between the ages of 25 and 40 have been involved with a coworker. Other surveys put that number even higher - closer to 58 percent.

Office romance is all fun and games when you're making out in the supply closet. But what happens when you're breaking up during business hours?

Business Breakup Blunder #1: Going back to work the next day.

If possible, take a personal day, a long weekend or even a full vacation to give yourself time to pull yourself together. You'll need awhile to recover from the shock and tears and get your professional game face on.

Business Breakup Blunder #2: Letting your emotions get the best of you.

No doubt you feel awful, but you'll need to keep those roiling emotions - hurt, anger, even guilt - in check, and resist the temptation to have your revenge at a staff meeting or at the coffee machine. Obviously, this is easier if you don't work closely together, but be prepared to be polite and professional even when you think it might kill you.

Business Breakup Blunder #3: Feeding the gossip mill.

If you succeeded in keeping your office romance a secret, you'd best do the same with the relationship's end. If your coworkers were aware of your coupling, you owe them a brief, vague update on the situation. All they really need to know is that you split up, but that it won't affect your job performance. Provide no details on the who-did-what-and-why and make no bitter attacks on your ex's character, reputation or bedroom prowess. As for your boss? Don't bring it up unless your employer specifically asks, and then - again - keep the details light and the get-the-job-done assurances heavy.

Business Breakup Blunder #4: Being too hard on yourself.

If your productivity is suffering from the anxiety of those awkward run-ins in the elevator or you're spending too much time crying in the bathroom, it's okay to get out of the office. Pursue an outside task, if possible, or take an occasional sick day when you need it. Just don't make it a habit; things will get better. Explore new jobs or new departments if you really need to escape.

Business Breakup Blunder #5: Not making the most of it.

Now that you're no longer flirting at the copier machine, you'll have more time to actually work! Renew your dedication to the job by taking on additional projects and working the occasional late night (it's not like you have a date anyway, right?). Living well - with that raise and corner office - is the best revenge, after all, and it can't hurt to remind your colleagues that you're more than just the arm candy of what's-his-face in accounts payable.