Careers that just don’t work well together

THE determining factors for entering relationships usually include attraction, shared beliefs, intimacy and effective communication, among other things. But there are those who go beyond that and look at each other’s careers, for example, to decide if the relationship is a go or no-no.

Below readers share the various categories and why they won’t mesh.

1. Police officers and police officers

Shane D, a police officer, said while this may work, he finds that it poses a problem when you want to vent about sensitive issues. He said it is almost sure that your spouse will know the nitty gritty details and it may result in a conflict of interest. His colleagues, who identified themselves as Jerome, Michael and Nelson, also agreed, citing conflict of interest and clashing of work hours as reasons.

2. Journalists and national security professionals

Martin Palmer said people in the fourth estate are always looking for one thing — a scoop. As a result, he said it is difficult for police, soldiers, government workers and people in sensitive fields to pursue relationships with them.

“You may just see it in the paper the next day. As someone in the national security field, I just can’t trust a woman who is a journalist, even if we agree to leave our work at work. Journalists never stop working, and I was drilled that journalists cannot be trusted,” Palmer said.

3. Journalists and lawyers

Three women — Jada Thomas, Georgina Miller and Samantha Wright — all said that though there would be no issues communicating, it seems like the perfect recipe for an unending argument and battle to see who is right.

“Both are twisting scenarios, both are arguing strongly; will anyone yield soon? Doubt it,” Miller said, to which her friends agreed and chuckled.

4. Athletes and pharmacists

Ryan Thomas said this may have devastating effects on the athlete’s career, especially if things go sour.

“Pharmacists usually have a pretty decent idea of what drugs treat various conditions. Now, imagine if he or she gives you something they never realised was a banned substance? Or imagine if there is a breakdown and they decide to be vindictive. That would be a lot of trouble!”

5. Managers and subordinates

They say love has no bounds, but majority of those we spoke to said it is unethical for managers and their juniors to be in intimate relationships. Their reasons include conflict of interest, favouritism, unfair treatment of others, and biased rewards or judgement. To quell the situation, they said either one individual should resign or someone should transfer from the department.

For his part, certified family educator and counsellor Anthony Gordon said though there may be guidelines to be established; there is no absolute career compatibility mix.

“You’re not dating the career; rather, you are dating the person with whom you have an interest or are in love with. It’s really the person, the who I am, that you see. What the person does as a career is really a second issue and that’s where the matter of adjustment comes in,” Gordon said.

He further stated that many individuals often say that professionals should not be dating those in the vocational areas; however, he again underscored that there is no such written rule.

“The thing is, certain professions we love to put on the top list and then there are others we put on the low list. But there is no truth that they will not work together. Their love for each other and willingness to work together will determine the longevity of the relationship,” he said.