A good manager needs to be able to have really hard conversations, including firing people. It's great to be close, but it's important both people are fully aw

A good manager needs to be able to have really hard conversations, including firing people. It's great to be close, but it's important both people are fully aware of the power dynamic, and that it is real. Your manager should be like a coach on a sporting team (in more ways than one) - you can go hang out after the game, but during practice they will wear you down. The important point here is the context - it's when and where. Also, keep in mind, your job is just your job, and people are more important than a job. You'll have other jobs, and other managers, so if you value the friendship, go for it.