Ex-teammates and my job: in a tough situation!

[sneezingstardust]

I need some advice, ladies.

I have a very good friend, who was actually the one who introduced me to the company I'm working for. After some time, he left my company (half fired, half quit).

Now, we're still friends, and still talk. However, my boss and other teammates aren't too happy about it, since he is technically the "enemy" to our company right now. I don't know what to do, at it makes me sad I would have to lose a friend just because of a job! Would it be wrong to still stay in contact with him behind my company's back?

What would you do if you were in my shoes?

[stablesgirl]

Are you being asked directly to cut off contact with him? If it's just a feeling that you're getting that your company doesn't appreciate the fact that you're still friends with the ex-employee, I don't think you need to stop being friends with him. I would maybe just not bring it up if you are hanging out with him. Your personal life is just that, personal, so your work shouldn't get involved.

A few years ago I left a company I'd worked for for 7 years to work for the competition. (Better position, better pay) One of my former bosses called me a traitor, but everyone else understands, and I've stayed in contact with lots of people from my old work. We all get to choose who are friends are. I don't think you should drop yours because of your work. That's not fair to either of you.

[Nic902]

You employer has ZERO right to tell you who you can socialize with...it isnt their business.

[firespinner93]

Don't bring your personal life to work, and don't bring work to your personal life. Keep both your job and your friend.

[BeanBabe]

That sounds silly...you can associate with anyone you like. They can't fire you for talking to a friend. The situation sounds childish.

[Mloveb]

At my job if someone is fired and left on bad terms it's just reality that if management finds out they look at you differently. However, I am still friends with whom I am friends with. No one in your life but you has the right to decide your friends. But I also do not share ANY of my personal life with anyone at work. There is a select handful of people who I will and it takes a while to get there andusually they have to oepn up to me first. My work sustains me, puts food on the table and is not replaceable because I love my job and the company I work for and that is rare.
That being said I make friends at work very carefully and others that aren't friends I am very nice to and help as much as I can but other than that they don't know anything other than I am doing good. Or just surface answers.

[sneezingstardust]

Hey girls - thanks for the insight.

I agree, and I don't think my job should have to interfere with this. It is rather childish, isn't it? I don't think my personal life has to do with my job - just because there are disagreements doesn't mean that has to come between us, or the company. It has nothing to do with the company.

Sigh.