Most of single women
in Corporate America aren't blessed with a 6, 5, 4, and in some
really depressing cases (like mine), 3 or 2
figures in their bank accounts. Women who have studied, and
had overcome many obstacles in life are struggling to make ends meet.
Student loans were great when you were studying, but now that you're
working at last -that is, if you can find a descent job in this
economy- you have to pay for it, and does tend to make a big hole in
your already worn out pockets.
Between paying
rent, utilities, transportation, groceries, debt, and all the
miscellaneous things you never thought you needed -but you do- like
for instance a power drill to put up your bathroom curtains so your
creepy neighbor won't peep, your paychecks for two months are already
compromised. I'm not saying that being single makes you automatically
broke, but it sure doesn't help your finances having only one income
in the household.
As a common rule in
our society we were told as children, we
needed to get married when the time was right. According to the 2010
U.S. Census there are 99.6 million single adults living in America.
Apparently we weren't good listeners back then. Are we too busy
working that we don't have time to find our other half? Is it that we
like being single? Is it that we're broke and we're too proud? Or is
it that there's nobody among those 99.6 millions that truly captures
our hearts? Or, all of the above?
Working in
Corporate America from 9 to 5 there's barely time for single women to
look around for a suitable partner. With
the lack of time in our hands: Is it a good idea to look around in
the office? It's a practical way to look for a partner. You already
know he's not unemployed, which is a good thing for your financial
situation. You know if he's married or engaged, therefore it saves
you time and money because now you don't have to buy the latest dress
and shoes to impress him. It sounds like a good
idea. Unfortunately, nothing is as easy as it seems.
I've learned the
hard way in Corporate America that humans
have a guilty pleasure: Gossip. I may add, it's probably due to being
automatized or unmotivated at work, but whatever it is, that one
little thing your next door cubicle neighbor says that is non-work
related, makes your job bearable and a little more interesting.
Sometimes it leaves you wanting more, it makes your whole day even
better when the juicy gossip is about someone in the office.
If being a single
woman is hard, it's even harder to be a broke, single woman in the
office. We are under constant watching eyes, from what we wear, how
we express ourselves, and specially how we act, particularly around
men. Please do not imply the gossipers are women, men love it and do
it too. Gossip can come in unexpected ways, at unexpected times, and
from unexpected people. In gossip world, if you get a promotion,
regardless of the worthiness and efforts, single women are most
likely to be targeted as the ones who slept
their way to the top. If you as much as
give -a what you think was disguised- look at an attractive co-worker
that reminds you of that actor you love, gossip must go in different
directions, but it goes, it takes a life of its own.
"What is she
looking at? He's sleeping with Janine, the girl from accounting."
Or: " I saw them leaving in the same car last night...",
"And I saw them coming together this morning in the same car.
They are doing it..." If you have a little grin right now is
because you've heard the rumors too. Can't it be that her car broke
down and he gave her a lift? OF COURSE NOT! It's far more amusing if
you make up stories in your head, and what kind of human would you be
if you don't share this important information with your co-workers? I
don't even want to start talking about things people would say when
you're assigned to work with a married man in a special project that
involves staying late nights to meet the deadline.
If you think no one will gossip about that, you are living under a
rock. You might even get calls from a jealous wife or she might visit
you at work.
When it comes to
matters of the heart, sometimes you can't help falling in love with
someone in the office. Amid the rumors, the new hot intern that has
an eye on the object of your affection, or if you break up, there are
plenty burdensome things with finding love at the office. As
contrast, love is great, but it might leave you in an intricate
situation. As a broke, single woman in Corporate America, love at the
office is a risky thing. Despite the risks, some will choose love, but for others, love
is a pricey venture they can't afford. You must be careful and think
if it's worth trying.
