Is it a good idea to mix business with pleasure?

September 25, 2026 — 5:00am

You have reached your maximum number of saved items.

Remove items from your saved list to add more.

I read your column every week and am struck by how many serious problems people have at work. I hope it’s OK to ask about something of a more minor nature.

I moved to a new city last year to take a great job opportunity and have found it hard to make new friends. Recently, I have begun to realise I have a lot in common with a work colleague. I would like to invite them and their partner to my home for a barbecue but the words of a wise ex-manager keep holding me back: “Never mix business and pleasure”.

Should I keep my work and social life separate?

No need to apologise about the seriousness of your question. This sounds like something that has been weighing heavily on your mind and, while we’re not talking about wage theft or bullying or abuse, I wouldn’t call your problem inconsequential.

Your ex-manager may well be a wise person, and I don’t want to suggest that you’re misguided in heeding their warning, but I would suggest that you think carefully about what precisely they meant when they offered that advice.

It’s a cliche, but it’s true: money........

© The Sydney Morning Herald