Settling into a new job is never easy.

Even when the role is something that you have years of experience in, getting to know a new company, new coworkers, and a potentially new set of expectations takes a lot of time, and often, the occasional mistake as well. It can be difficult to tell whether a job is going to work for you based on the interview alone, and those first months can be crucial in revealing what the experience will be like going forward.

As a result, it can feel reassuring when you already know and are friendly with somebody who works at your new workplace. A familiar face can really help you feel comfortable, but at the same time, it is important to maintain some professional boundaries. Just because you hang out when off the clock doesn’t mean that you should work together. In fact, this can sour a relationship.