After their high-profile affair was revealed late last year, news anchors Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes have been fired from the famed ABC news program Good Morning America. After an internal investigation was launched, the public eye turned to Robach and Holmes, who were both beginning divorce proceedings with their respective spouses. The affair pair was previously placed on leave from the morning show starting Dec. 5. Their firings took place in late January.

A spokesperson for the alphabet network provided a comment to “Entertainment Weekly.” The comment stated, “After several productive conversations with Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes about different options, we all agreed it’s best for everyone that they move on from ABC News. We recognize their talent and commitment over the years and are thankful for their contributions.”

When it comes to such a high-profile firing, which certainly captured my attention, I couldn’t help but wonder what people in my age group could learn from workplace relationships. After all, my Grandpa always said that one should never “crap where they eat.” And this is truly a saying I’ve always taken to heart, and others in their 20s should too.

For this article, I reached out for comment to Dawn Hayes. Hayes, of central Illinois, has long worked for businesses that champion themselves on strong H.R. (Human Resources) guidelines. Hayes, now in her 40s, stated, “We sometimes forget that our personal life can impact our professional life. Not much is private anymore. Employers have the right to discern what will or will not be tolerated. Employers have to protect their interests.”

Between what my Grandpa always said to me and factoring in Hayes’ quote, I believe that the biggest takeaway is that one has to be out to understand that when you’re at work, you’re at work. Truthfully, some of my closest friends are from my place of work. However, professionalism is key. And as my generation comes to a close in their college years, and as we gain our degrees in our carefully-selected fields, and as we begin to find jobs from Indeed.com – or even from recommendations or other opportunities – we must remember to present ourselves in the best way possible. And if one does decide to have a workplace relationship, consent and H.R. are key. We must respect all parties involved, and we must respect the company’s interests. After all, building a professional life is just as important as a personal life.