![\"coworking-1\"](\"http:\/\/home.splittable.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/coworking-1-300x300.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe cost of living continues to increase \u2013 but wages haven\u2019t quite caught up. That means that most young professionals are looking for ways to reduce costs wherever they can. One way to do this? Getting a roommate. And in many cases, that roommate ends up being a coworker.<\/p>\n
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Living with coworkers can help financially, when you consider the reduced cost of rent, utilities and other living expenses. It also makes sense when you think about similar schedules, and the fact that you can carpool or travel together to work and meetings. However, the decision to live with a coworker isn\u2019t always easy \u2013 working and living with someone can raise a whole host of potential issues. Below, we\u2019ve put together a list of 4 tips to make it work:<\/p>\n
1. Be honest
\nWhen living with a coworker, the most important thing is to remain honest and transparent. It\u2019s much better to deal with issues head-on, rather than to let them chafe until one of you blows up, which can create tension at work and home. So, if your roommate never puts his dishes in the dishwasher or always fails to refill the toilet paper, speak up as soon as you can. Be nice about it, but be firm. If you keep your tone light and conversational, your requests should be well-received.<\/p>\n
2. Be respectful of privacy and space
\nWhether it\u2019s alone time to decompress or social time with a separate group of friends, everyone needs their space. Even if you have some of the same friends as your roommate, it\u2019s okay \u2013 and even normal \u2013 to have separate friends as well. Don\u2019t feel offended if your roommate goes out without you one night, and don\u2019t worry about offending her if you do the same. Respect for one another as individuals improves your chances of having a healthy, happy living situation.
\n![\"coworking-2\"](\"http:\/\/home.splittable.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/coworking-2-300x200.jpg\")
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3. Communicate your expectations
\nWhether you know your coworker well or not at all before you decide to move in together, it\u2019s important to clearly communicate each of your expectations for your living arrangements. From bill payment to chore lists to expectations for parties and overnight guests, lay it all out on the table \u2013 before you move in together. That way, both parties are on the same page and there won\u2019t be any surprises or inadvertent offenses down the road.<\/p>\n
4. Leave work at work
\nIt\u2019s natural to want to talk (or occasionally vent) about work when the day is done. But if that\u2019s all you and your roommate discuss, it can quickly become overwhelming. Feel free to discuss your workday for a few minutes at dinner or before you part ways for the night, but don\u2019t let it become your only topic of discussion. And make sure to avoid gossiping about coworkers or sharing sensitive project information.
\nThe most important factor to a successful coworker-roommate relationship? A coworker you like and get along with. Choose someone who you enjoy working with, and who has values that align with yours. Remember that relationships of every kind take work, so be prepared to work to get along.
\nHave you ever lived with a coworker? What was your experience?
\nTweet us @SplittableUK and let us know!
\n![\"coworking-3\"](\"http:\/\/home.splittable.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/coworking-3-300x163.jpg\")
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All images from Fast Company<\/p>\n
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The cost of living continues to increase \u2013 but wages haven\u2019t quite caught up. That means that most young professionals are looking for ways to reduce costs wherever they can. One way to do this? Getting a roommate. And in many cases, that roommate ends up being a coworker. Living with coworkers can help financially, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":1205,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,17,18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1203","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-co-living","category-rent","category-sharing"],"yoast_head":"\n