Would you be friends w/ an ex-boss?

Would you be friends w/ an ex-boss who didn't treat you that nicely when you worked for her?

I used to work under this woman at my last job. She wasn't that nice to me when I worked for her, she actually pawned some of her work off on me, but we worked on one client together for about 6 months.

We both resigned from the company we worked for, and all of a sudden she has moved to my town (she was commuting 2 hours each way when we worked together) and she wants to be FRIENDS with me.

We went out to dinner a month ago to catch up (she offered me a job where she now works) and has since emailed me twice wanting to get together!?!

I am fairly new in my area (lived here for a year) but I just can't get past how she treated me when we were co-workers..... it's like now she wants to be friends???

What would you do?

ETA: On a personal level, we have a lot in common (shopping styles, clothes, decorating, traveling, etc) and we both work in finance now.

Message edited 3/9/2007 9:58:26 AM.

Re: Would you be friends w/ an ex-boss?

I would say give it a shot. People are different outside of work. Maybe you will get along better when your not working for her. I wouldn't accept the job though. I would keep it stictly friendship only. History tends to repeat itself, and you wouldn't want to go through that again.

Re: Would you be friends w/ an ex-boss?

I've had great ex-bosses, and I had one horrible ex-boss. I have seen her on occasion after I left, and although she was nice and all, she still leaves a bitter taste. I dont forget too easily.

I wouldnt bother but its totally up to you. I couldnt' be friends w/ this lady though if she tried to be. I barely wanted to even talk to her.

I certainly wouldnt take up an offer from working in the same place as her either. That could start unwanted, and unmissed trouble.

Re: Would you be friends w/ an ex-boss?

i can hold a grudge sometimes


when i was in college, i had an upperclassman (meaning a person a grade older than me) as my "officer"
she was a complete bitcch to me for no reason.

if she ever wanted to be friends with me i wouod probably never want to

it really depends on how rude she was to you as your boss.

if you are willing to forgive her and move on, then why not?
but if you will alwyas hold that grude it will keep you from truly opening up to her and being her friend.

its your call

Re: Would you be friends w/ an ex-boss?

Message edited 3/9/2007 10:02:59 AM.

Re: Would you be friends w/ an ex-boss?

I was in this situation and I always said when I worked with her that if the time came, I would never ever be friends with her.

She ended up leaving and then I left as well. We ended up becoming good friends, she came to my wedding and was so generous.

Sometimes I feel that certain people can't be in a "work" relationship - meaning they either have similarities or differences that make it tough for one to be the "boss" -- but in my case, after we were taken out of the situtation, we were fine.

Come to think of it, I haven't heard from her in a while....

But I say, try to be friends and if she treats you poorly now, I'd walk away.