Aug 18, 2023
Cherishing Past Co-Workers
One-third of your life is spent at work. The average person will spend 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime. [source] That’s a lot of time.
But think about the time working and then layer in the meetings, the discussions, the one on one’s - now think about the people? How many people have you interacted with, how many moments of joy, happiness, wins, losses, jokes, stories, and more often than not hardships?
In the landscape of our careers, we can sometimes lose the individual interactions, the co-workers, peers, mentors, managers, and leaders that have left an indelible mark on our lives and careers.
As I’ve been reflecting on my career what’s come up is remembering the people who’ve had a real impact on me. I wanted a way to say thanks to some of those people and not just in a quick text or phone chat. I want to create a resource for myself and for those important people so that I can show how much they mean to me.
My goal is to spend time with each person, an hour or more over the phone, via Zoom, or in person, and just write about a funny story, a difficult project, or just a shared memory. I’m hoping to do 2-3 a month but we will see. This is an experiment for myself and trying to pay it forward a little because I’ve been lucky to work with such incredible people.
The main themes that I want to cover are:
The Collaborative Spirit: Fueling Innovation
Collaboration is the lifeblood of any successful venture, and my past coworkers have been the embodiment of this principle. From brainstorming sessions that sparked groundbreaking ideas to late-night discussions that unearthed hidden solutions, each person brought a unique perspective to the table.
Mentorship and Learning: Nurturing Professional Development
Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to encounter mentors who selflessly shared their wisdom and knowledge. These individuals not only imparted valuable insights but also provided guidance that extended far beyond the workplace. Their patience, encouragement, and willingness to invest time in my growth have been instrumental in my advancement.
Emotional Support: Building Resilience
The ups and downs of a career can be both exhilarating and challenging. Looking back on the times when colleagues offered a listening ear, a comforting word, or a much-needed laugh serves as a reminder that we're never truly alone in our professional endeavors.
Camaraderie: Shared moments of fun and joy
We work in a fast-paced, stressed, exhausting world and it’s the light moments that keep us going. Having those shared moments of lightness bring about an emotional connection that often gets overlooked. A team lunch, activity, pizza party, or other bonding moments can get lost in the daily grind.
Gratitude and Paying It Forward: A Lasting Legacy
As we express gratitude for the impact our past coworkers have had on our careers, we're also inspired to pay it forward. Just as we've benefited from their mentorship, collaboration, and support, we have the chance to do the same for others.
Conclusion
By looking back on past coworkers with fondness and appreciation, we honor their contributions, celebrate our shared successes, and pave the way for a future filled with meaningful connections and impactful collaborations.
