Do you have close friends at your job place? Beware! Making friends (close friends) at workplace is not recommended by career experts as it may prove to be risky!
A close friend is supposed to share your secrets that should not be made public but if you have told your thoughts and plans to a close buddy at your office, it can be dangerous — what if he/she turns against you in the time to come, then he/she (if not a decent person) may take advantage of knowing your weak points and may harm you in such a way that affects your job. Therefore, be very much careful while making friends at workplace. It is ok to be social, talk and meet everyone but having one or two very close buddies who share your secrets, go out with you, know about your family and its affairs and also visit your home very frequently can be risky so think about it!
The best approach is to have a circle of colleagues in the office but maintain a reasonable distance with them such that neither you feel isolated nor you become so much attached with them that if in future you may wish to detach from them, it becomes difficult!
The issue is rather more serious for women as they may share more secrets with each other, which eventually may turn out to be dangerous for them. Girl colleagues often seem sharing with each other the secrets of their personal relationships, domestic affairs and money matters too. This is not only an unprofessional attitude but highly risky for your reputation as well. Your female colleague knowing all about your secrets may misuse you in the time to come if differences arise between two of you. She may disclose your personal matters in front of other colleagues which will become a cause of embarrassment for you! Besides, it is also harmful for your job as your seniors and boss may start judging your character and it might influence their decision at the time of giving promotion or an increment in the salary.
It is a fact that every human being needs someone with whom he/she can share his/her problems, with whom he/she can feel safe and secure, to whom he/she can call a true and sincere friend. But seeking such kind of friendship is risky when it comes to your profession. Therefore, be very very careful in making friends at your job place and always remember that being alone is better than being trapped in a wrong relationship.