Working for friend/acquaintance?

[L From The D]

Have you ever worked for a friend/acquaintance...? How did it go?

[Deleted]

I haven't, but my DH has twice. Once it wasn't the greatest, but I think it was because they didn't have very clear boundaries or expectations about their working relationship. It wasn't ugly, they just ended up frustrated with each other and once the contract was over they were both relieved. Now DH is working for an acquaintance but so far they've been really clear about their roles. Their families also know one another, so they've made a pact not to talk to their parents about one another. (Their parents are all kind of...nosy by nature.) They have good, honest talks about how things are going, what could be improved, etc.

I think it all depends. The better the boundaries and responsibilities are defined, the better the work relationship will be.

[dizzycooks]

My first thought to this thread was "nope". I'd avoid it.

[cjcouple]

Yup. It went great. My best friends husband (also a friend) got me my first admin asst job at his company in his dept. I worked with (for) him for 5 yrs. We both eventually moved depts and I stayed another 5 yrs. Still good friends, he wrote me a wonderful recommendation letter when I left the company and I still call him for advice from time to time because he is in the industry. Thanks to him, I have a great career.

[quesyrah]

I worked for my cousins. It went well but I would never do it again. I was young (21) and didn't see any issues with it but I think I probably just got lucky. Now, I don't think I would mix friends/family with business unless I had to.

I did work with DH (we met at work) and I would never do that again either.

[dragon's breath]

My best friend ended up being my manager when I changed job locations in my early 20s. It did not end well. She wouldn't do any work, knowing I wouldn't slack, and by the end, I had to report her for stealing from the boss, and found out later she was stealing from me (we did a lot of catering, she'd charge gratuity and I never saw a dime of that, even if I was the one working the event).

[chatterbox]

I haven't, but my good friend became AP at my school so when/if I go back when my childcare leave is up, I will be. I don't see it being a problem.