How A Job Can Be Like A Dysfunctional Relationship

By Sarah Greesonbach

You already know to avoid a second date with someone who doesn't laugh at your jokes or who was mean to the waiter. But what about staying with an employer as they slowly cut back on important perks? Turns out that treating your career like a relationship might be just what you need to kick it into high gear. Here are a few important principles -- in love and business -- that can help you make those tough decisions:

1. Use the first date to feel out your compatibility and pick up on warning signs. The interview (a.k.a. the job equivalent of a first date) is much like its relationship counterpart; you get a general impression of a person and, if you're paying attention, you can also get a preview of the warning signs.