R people in corporates really friends or just professionals...?

I think in the corporate world, it's hard to make true friends. the people you meet are those who get to know you because of work, because they need to get something done, or because they need to clinch a deal. personally, I've made only one or two good friends outside my organisation. especially when you are not part of the same company, you tend to be working at different goals. in the same company however, I've made many good friends. That's because we're on the same team, faced with the same boss, dealing with the same issues and fighting the same 'external' rivals. Hence, it's likely that one is closer to your colleagues. My colleagues now are great people. and we see each other everyday, so that makes for consistent updating on each others' lives.

I'd say just professionals. I have a great time with several of the people I work with, all very nice people, but in order to improve my career I'd be mercyless. They are not that good friends of mine.