5 days a week, 8 hours a day at best. Often late evening phone calls and weekend interruptions of catastrophe or victory. Either way, always available. Co-workers. Such a cold term, isn’t it? The matter of fact, easily defined word makes the relationship seem clinical, with clear boundaries, and without affect outside of the work we do together. It’s strange to think that such a limited term is expected to define the relationships I have with the people who spend more time with me, and I them, than any other person in my life. People who I cannot RSVP “with regrets,” or hide from the responsibility of my role in their livelihood. People who directly reap reward OR endure the consequences of my professional decisions, inspired moments or short comings in the work I produce daily.
Co-worker. Seems shallow for people who have listened to me lose my maternal cool on my kids…often. Who have helped me make sense of losing my career, usefulness in a market I love, and eventually, even my home. Watched me agonize over the empty nest and worry about the safety of my ass-clown kids at every stage since elementary school. Walking patiently through the never ending grief of losing my Mom. Learning I am a grandmother on face-time in the middle of the day. Witnessing me literally break after losing an uncle and his son just mere few months apart. Understand my quiet mornings after worrying through the night over one difficult life situation or another. Silently supporting me as I steel to the fact that I may not see my grandson for quite a long time.
Co-worker. Just not adequate enough for the people that celebrate financial wins together. Cheer each through navigating the working parent obstacle courses…that change EVERY. DAMN. DAY. Who teach you to be better, faster, more efficient. Who make the achievements on your resume shine brighter, and motivate you to keep moving through-out the difficult days. We may not spend many "off hours" together. We each have our family and social groups that are our support system beyond the confines of our workplace. Yet, these people literally and directly affect our ability to provide for and care for our families.
I think as I navigate through the rest of my career,
I will stop referring to those I work with as just co-workers.
The friendships I have gained during the majority of my waking hours have more influence on the balance in my life than any other single person. They are far more than my co-workers. They are my friends, sisters, work hubbies, financial partners, team mates, and admittedly the occasional mini punching bag for my frustration. After which... they are also quick to forgive and offer a hand to help lift the circumstance weighing so heavily. After all, there's no time in an effective team to hold a grudge or leave another unsupported or unheard.
Maybe others have a different experience, but I am incredibly grateful for mine. I cannot imagine my life without this crazy Servpro GNC crew that has come together over the last 9 years, and I am certain I do not show it often or well enough. But … Monday, I get the opportunity to show up a bit better. And again Tuesday…Wednesday… well, you get the point.
Cheers to my boisterous, committed, sometimes committable, loyal, determined, quirky, Green Machine family. Because that is what we are, in our own professional-meets-the-obscene, weird little world. And quite frankly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
This blog is a personal collection of my thoughts, wins, losses, memories, and crossroad moments. Almost all of which were hashed out around my kitchen counter and in my journals. If any of it resonates with you and you are ready to free-up the hidden badass you ARE right now, I can help. It’s time… Click the link and Let’s chat.
