When considering career fulfillment, the most significant factor isn't the type of work or even the paycheck. It's about the people around us.
The colleague beside you can greatly influence your job satisfaction. A Censuswide study revealed that 39% of respondents valued their careers due to their coworkers, while the nature of their work followed at 36%. A sense of accomplishment was cited by 34%, and only 30% pointed to financial rewards. This emphasizes the importance of having work friends, and ideally, a work wife.
“A work wife is someone with whom you share a deep personal and professional connection. It's about being your true self and encouraging each other to do the same at work,” says Erica Cerulo, co-founder of a well-known fashion and design website.
Cerulo and her work wife Claire Mazur joined us on a podcast to discuss their book, “Work Wife: The Power of Female Friendship to Drive Successful Businesses,” and the various benefits of these bonds—personally, professionally, and financially. Here are the key takeaways:
Key Qualities of a Work Wife Relationship
So, what sets work wife relationships apart from standard workplace friendships? Trust and accountability are essential in any relationship, but work wives elevate these qualities with a vital element: vulnerability. This dynamic not only allows you to feel secure bringing your authentic self to work, but it also actively fosters that environment.
“You must be open about your struggles, whether they stem from the work environment or personal life, without fear of judgment regarding your productivity or feelings,” explains Cerulo. “It’s crucial to share these experiences without worrying about competition or hiding your true emotions.”
Indications to Elevate Your Relationship
Once trust, accountability, and vulnerability are established, consider whether your relationship could evolve into a successful partnership, akin to that of iconic duos in the business world. Mazur shares that she and Cerulo hold each other to high standards daily. “We’ve always had high expectations, though they may differ, which raises the stakes for both of us.”
For instance, Mazur is dedicated to exceptional design, while Cerulo emphasizes grammatical precision. “This mutual commitment pushes us to improve in both areas, making us stronger together,” she adds.
Bringing Personal Lives to the Workplace
“What’s fascinating about women’s relationships at work is how they challenge outdated office norms, often set by men. We internalize rules like ‘Don’t mix personal matters with work,’” says Mazur. “Women have unique experiences, such as pregnancy, that make it impossible to completely separate personal life from the workplace.”
Her son, Cam, was on her lap during our discussion, highlighting the necessity of authenticity at work. Being your true self fosters deeper connections and cultivates an atmosphere of honesty, support, and understanding.
Discussing Finances with Your Close Friends
Regardless of whether you're considering going into business with a friend, being able to discuss finances openly is crucial. Start with the understanding that you both may have different financial backgrounds, similar to a romantic relationship. This was essential for Cerulo and Mazur. They recommend understanding how childhood experiences shape views on money. “Throughout our writing process and interviews, many business partners noted that knowing each other's financial upbringing helped navigate challenging discussions about money,” shares Cerulo. For more insights, check out the podcast episode below.
