Hello everyone, long-time poster but I have lost my account password so I had to create a new one. I already posted on this topic several months ago, the situation has changed in the meantime and I'd like some advice again.
I am a middle manager at a large corporation where I manage around 15 people. I am in my mid-30s and single. Two years ago I hired a man to be my right hand and we have been working really closely every day since then. He is also mid-30s.
In the last 6 months, we have been getting closer and around last Spring I realized that we probably both had feelings for each other. We didn't discuss it, since at the time he was in a year-long relationship and of course I was trying to keep the situation at work under control. I really tried to distantiate myself from him and for a few months it worked! I dated other people and tried to meet someone else, although of course the thought of him was in the back of my mind.
A couple of months ago he broke up with the girlfriend. Two weeks ago I had an emergency operation and he was incredibly supportive, visited me with flowers at the hospital, helped me once I got home with groceries and cooking, etc etc. Since then I feel like we are getting closer and closer (nothing physical has happened) and he has confessed his feelings for me recently. I am concerned that the situation might get out of hand and we won't be able to keep our feelings in check forever. I am freaking out to be honest, as I am scared of the impact on my career if things continue developing with him.
There is a possibility that in 6-9 months I might move into another role and he will take over my position, in which case we would be hierarchically equal. However, that is not set in stone, just a possibility and the timeline is also uncertain. I have been in my role for 3 years and I am ready for a new challenge. However, this is a great job with a fantastic salary, flexibility, and opportunity for advancement. I also have a great relationship with my own (female) boss who is sponsoring me as a rising talent in the organization.
Wise Mumsnetters, what do you advise? What do I do? Please help this silly woman who got feelings for the wrong person