Summer is around the corner, and for students that usually means one thing: it's time to get a job. There are things we all look for in a job; if the hours are good, if we'll still have a life, if the pay is reasonable. What we don't always intend on looking for at a new job is a relationship, but it happens. Dating co-workers can have ups and downs, so before you decide to date anyone that you work with, you should look at both the pros and cons.

Pros

Secrets are kinda hot
Secrets aren't always the best idea, but who are we kidding, secret relationships are kind of hot. When you first start dating someone you work with, chances are you want to keep things between the two of you. If you are able to sneak away on your lunch hour for secret rendezvous or make out in the staff room when no one is around, it can be fun and spice up the relationship.

See them more
Some people work opposite schedules from their partner, so it can be tough if one person works days and the other works nights. At least if you work together, you'll get to see them more. I work in a restaurant, so five nights a week I'm working, which makes it tough to be in a relationship with anyone. If you work with a co-worker, at least you know you will have similar schedules, which allows you to see one another.

Cons

No space
In relationships, it's nice to have your own time apart — for one thing, it gives you more to talk about when you get together. Imagine waking up to your boyfriend every day, going to work together and then, after the work day is done, going home together, making dinner and going to bed, just to do it all again tomorrow. That is way too much time together. It's not healthy to spend 24/7 with someone; it makes people feel crowded, which can lead to resentment.

No escape from fights
The one good thing about having a fight with your significant other is knowing that when you go to work, you can have time to breathe and can calm down. When you work with them, you don't get that luxury. If you happen to have a fight in your relationship, having to go to work with them can make things worse and create tension, which can be awkward for the people around you.

No boundaries
When you date someone you work with, it seems that everyone knows your personal life. It's no longer just a relationship between you and your boyfriend, but a relationship with your entire office. They know when you are having problems, when you are fighting and sometimes even the intimate details.

Breakups
Let's face it, most of the time breakups are inevitable, as much as we don't like to admit it. What helps the healing process is not having to see your ex, but when you are constantly working with them, it's hard to get over it. It can also create a weird tension between you, which could affect your job performance, especially if you didn't end it on good terms. I once dated someone I worked with, and when I no longer wanted to continue dating, working together was hard because we barely ever talked.

When you start working in the summer, make sure to weigh the ups and downs before getting into a relationship with a colleague. It may seem like just fun and games, but it can have some serious downfalls.