Have a best friend at work
When I was first hired by the government, I received an annual survey hosted by some company that I’m sure Uncle Sam overpaid for. Among other things, it was supposed to measure employee satisfaction. Most of the questions were forgettable, except for one: “Do you have a best friend at work?”
Initially, I scoffed at the idea. My buddies were outside of this place…much too fun and interesting for these gray cubicle walls. Then I worked in my first stressful, crisis situation and met a fantastic person who helped me laugh through all of the chaos. She and I were alike in some core ways, but absolutely unalike in others. She gave me perspective, mostly on the work. As someone that always doubted the job or my place in it, it was healthy to know someone who didn’t doubt the job or her place in it. She could articulate the value of it all—and back me off the ledge. Our relationship over the years has mostly been over instant messenger. But it cannot be overstated how powerful it is to have someone you can instant message at any time, about any thing. Some days, her presence alone was why I got through my eight hours.
Today I saw her at work for the first time since Covid ruined everything, and it was a delight. It filled me with joy to, for a moment, know I wasn’t alone in this place. To know that we had come out of the other side of the work schedule flux and confusion still best friends.
Have a best friend at work. Obviously, that’s easier said than done, but if you’re on the fence about leaning into a relationship with a work colleague, do. Go for it. You’ll need that person on your worst days, and you’ll want that person to celebrate with you on your best.