No, it’s not in vain. But in order to build a relationship that’s permanent, it needs a strong anchoring in non-work things. If everything is just about work, then once that shared experience is gone the relationship will be too.

Flip side, you don’t have to be besties with your colleagues. Enjoying time with them while you’re colleagues is an end upon itself. You’ll statistically have about a dozen jobs in your life, which’ll bring in close to 100 colleagues into your life. Chances are you can’t and won’t remain friends with all of them, and that’s ok too.