Divorcing Your Work Spouse

Merrainiacs:

About seven months ago a candidate I became rather close with shared with me the fact that she had a "work spouse." Having never heard the term before I asked her for some clarity. She basically told me that she had a "very close friend" (also an RN in Surgical Services) that she had lunch with at least once a week, confided the most telling secrets to and even attended out-of-town nursing forums with. She also shared with me that she was unable to make a career change (although her spouse of 23 years was open to relocation) because she was not sure she could withstand the pressure of the OR without having the day-to-day support of her "work spouse." I had a hard time understanding this concept and decided I needed to speak with one of my mentors here at the firm. "Sure, it's a growing phenomenon particularly in high stress professions" (i.e. nursing, the stock market etc.). Indeed, it seems I was behind the eight-ball on this one and I've now learned a new objection some consider when making a career move. So my question is this....if you do make a career change, must you file for divorce from your "work spouse?"

Merrainiac