Canterbury tells it.
“The people you work with are people you were just thrown together with. You don’t know them. It wasn’t your choice, and yet you spend more time with them than you do your friends or your family. But probably all you’ve got in common is that you walk around on the same bit of carpet for eight hours a day.”
I think this simple message is lost on a lot of people. Tim (from BBC’s “The Office”) goes on to say that when there is a connection with someone it is a meaningful thing, but it is rare. So, as an exercise, think back. Do you keep in close contact with anyone you met from your previous job? How about the job before that?
My answers to those questions are resoundingly negative, both in response and tone. I wonder if the same will be true when I leave my current job.
Actually yes. A certain former colleague who I can now call my friend and I go out for coffee and shop at the farmer’s markets often.
But I have to admit she is the only one. Hrm.
Comment by Loricious — 6/15/2005 @ 9:34 am
I think I will make a point to keep in touch with you.
Comment by Inaya — 6/16/2005 @ 8:47 am
It’s important to note that I have enjoyed the company of previous co-workers. It is only the strange happenstance and geography of changing employment that led to their eventually being forgotten.
So, best intentions aside, I am curious how many good friendships I will take away when my path inevitably forks away from my current employer.
Comment by steelbuddha — 6/16/2005 @ 12:24 pm