5 Things You Should Never Do for a Co-Worker

Co-workers often "feel" like family. As a result, helping them out comes second nature. Yet, in reality, most of the people we work with will disappear out of our lives as soon as we leave the job. For this reason, there are 5 things you should never do for a co-worker. They are acts that often lead to disappointment or other negative consequences.

Never . . .

1- Tell a lie.
Consequently, the story you weave can come back to haunt you. Then, to your surprise, the person who convinced you to cover up for him with a little fib will be putting a knife in your back to keep his reputation and even employment. You, on the other hand, will be trying to talk your way out of a bind.

2- Loan money.
Unless you have access to their bank account, 9 times out of 10 you will never get your money bank. Instead, determine what you can "give" to a fellow employee like a dollar to get a soda because he's really thirsty.

3- Share drugs.
One thing you should never do for a co-worker is share drugs. Many people who are gainfully employees suffer from some type of addiction. As a result, if you give your prescription drugs (or recreational ones) to a peer, you could be opening up a can of worms. Then, if the boss finds out, you both will be fired.

4- Give sex tips.
Sex is like food; everyone has different tastes. If yours doesn't match up with co-workers, your advice could lead to a lot of office gossip and worse, career suicide. So, keep your opinion to yourself and let fellow employees with sexual dysfunctions get help from their doctors.

5- Take a fall.
Despite what you see in the movies - an employee reaping the benefits from taking the blame for a peer or a boss - in real life, this rarely works out. Usually, you end up muddying up your career path for no reason. Then, even if you don't, the person you rescued often develops amnesia or leaves without repaying you.

Ready to set some new boundaries? Think long and hard about your actions on the job. There are just certain things you should never do for a co-worker under any circumstance. You never want to get tangled up in anything that can damage your reputation or make you exit the job on somebody else's terms.