No matter what you do for a living, you are going to come across people who do the same thing (or they work in the same field) you do who are single, attractive, and you click with. Your first thought may be to hook up and start dating them. While in theory this would be a good idea because you already have similar interests and have something to talk about. However, that may not be the best choice. We have compiled some reasons why you may want to date someone outside of your profession.
New and Interesting Discussions
If you are dating someone in the same profession as you, there aren’t many opportunities for new topics of discussion. For example, if you are in the IT field and so is your partner, you are both up-to-date with the latest technologies. Though this can be great because you’ll have someone that you can get your techy-talk on with, that’s all you’ll have. With someone outside of your profession, you can teach them about technology (if they are willing to learn) and they can teach you about theirs (to a certain degree anyway).
Broadening Your Social Circle
Chances are if you work in the same field, you may have the same acquaintances. However, when you date someone outside of your profession, you have the opportunity to meet new and interesting people. Just think of how diverse and eclectic your dinner party when you have all sorts of people coming together with different fields of expertise? You have the opportunity to get a variety of opinions on topics that you may not get with people with the same background. For example, if you are in the medical field and you are discussing the latest art exhibit at the gallery in town, you may have similar views because doctors tend to be analytical and fact based. Introduce some artists into the group and you will get a different perspective.
Work/Life Balance in Check
When we date someone in the same profession, we tend to bounce ideas off of one another when it comes to work. However, when you date someone in a different field as you, those discussions are fewer and farther in between. Sure, you may ask for opinions or vent about something from time to time, but they aren’t nearly as in-depth as if the other person knows what you are talking about from a personal point of view.
No Need to Compete
Some couples who work in the same field feel the need to compete with one another. It may start off as friendly competition between lovers, however when one person really starts to succeed in their career and they start getting recognition and praise, the other may start to get jealous and harbor feelings of resentment and jealousy. We all know that these feelings are the beginning of a relationship that is starting to crumble. By dating someone not in your profession, you will never have to worry about having to one up one another for the same kind of recognition.