Working with Friends: Smart Move or Recipe for Disaster?

Growing up, my father often warned me, “Don’t mix business with pleasure, and don’t mix business with family.” I didn’t fully grasp the wisdom of his words until I experienced it myself.

A friend of mine recommended me for a job, and I ended up working with them. At first, it seemed ideal—working alongside someone I trusted. But soon, I realized the challenges of blending friendship and professionalism.

The lines between our personal and professional relationships became blurred. Expectations were unclear, emotions ran high, and it became increasingly difficult to separate work issues from personal feelings. Tensions arose, fueled by jealousy and other unhealthy dynamics that began to surface.

It made my job unnecessarily difficult and strained our friendship. It was then I understood why so many companies discourage hiring family and friends—it’s not about distrust but about preserving relationships and ensuring professionalism.

The Lesson

Mixing business with personal relationships often leads to complications. Emotions can cloud judgment, and the boundaries between roles become harder to maintain. To avoid unnecessary conflict and preserve the integrity of both your relationships and your work, it’s best to keep the two worlds separate.