Office Romance. Everyone has an opinion on whether it is a good idea. Will it be awkward in a meeting? Will people talk about the couple in question? What happens if there’s a breakup?
Deidre Ford, BA 2017; MS 2021; MBA 2025, says her story dispels all negative ideas about an office romance. She and her husband, Tim, have stood the test of time since meeting at SWORPS over 26 years ago. While skepticism may continue to be the standard mindset, Deidre and Tim’s story gives office romancers a ray of hope when looking for love.
❦ How/When did you and your husband meet at SWORPS?
Deidre: Tim Ford and I started at SWORPS at nearly the same time in 2000, but since he worked in the Nashville office and I worked in the Knoxville office, we didn’t meet until much later that year. But when we eventually did meet, there was definitely a spark that was kindling.
❦What jobs were you both doing at the time?
Deidre: I was a Computer Programmer Specialist, and he was a Computer Systems Specialist. So, it’s safe to say computers brought us together!
❦How long did you work together?
Deidre: We worked together for about five years. We got to know each other when we were developing a product called TTR (Training, Tracking, and Rostering) for TDCS foster care training. TTR kept going for quite a few years, but eventually Tim left SWORPS for the private sector.
❦We know that you are still at SWORPS, but what is Tim doing now?
Deidre: Tim is still a software developer but is now working for Pilot Headquarters here in Knoxville.
❦What do you see as the plus side to meeting your significant other at work?
Deidre: The nice thing about meeting your future spouse at work is that everyone knows you both, so work events are not awkward when the partner or spouse doesn’t know anyone. And when you are telling stories to each other about work happenings, you both know all the players. Also, you get to share all the milestones together with your work family. There was a wedding and a baby shower. It makes the guest lists easy because you are both inviting the same people.
❦Any “advice” for people considering an office romance?
Deidre: I’d definitely be careful with that! We got lucky, but I hear things can get weird with workplace romances. Funny, though, there was another office romance at the same time, which also resulted in a marriage!