The Best Part

I'm naturally introverted, but I am fascinated by people. The best part of working life, and the part I miss most, was interacting with others. So, when I decided to not look for a new full-time role, I knew that the most difficult aspect would be the loss of connection.

Back before remote work became common, I actually loved my morning commute to the office. I would overcome traffic stress with hot coffee and music to amplify my mood. Early in the week, my music was optimistic and mellow (think Jack Johnson or Matisyahu) but by Friday, I would gulp down my caffeine while blaring Irish punk (usually Dropkick Murphys). Refreshed and awake, I loved the walk through the cubicles and office space, greeting familiar faces. There was a feeling of shared experience and a comfort in the daily routine.

Don't get me wrong, I certainly didn't enjoy a positive experience with every past colleague. I worked quite a few folks that tested my patience, and, over the years, I developed a bag full of tricks designed to avoid direct engagement. After all, nobody can prevent social contact like a good introvert. But navigating the good and the bad, day after day, created a rhythm that gave me comfort and a foundational community. Shared experiences become the glue that holds a team together and I was lucky to be part of several wonderful teams. So, when I retired, I was lucky to be able to retain friendships with many of the colleagues that I had come to love. So, if wonderful friends ended up being part of my severance package, what exactly do I miss?

• I miss the diversity of styles and knowledge that filled my day. I would spend hours involved in rich, complex discussions with folks who had unique expertise and insight. There was always something to learn.

• I miss the cheerleaders.... the folks who somehow always knew when you needed a boost. i would be feeling overwhelmed or down and would suddenly get a call or a text from someone in another state. They would just be reaching out, out of the blue, to have my back. That kind of support never happens while I am dealing with Costco drama.

• I miss the innovators. Creative, innovative people are inspirational.

• I miss the feeling of shared problem solving. There's something so very special about tackling a challenge with a team and sharing the victory once the problem is solved.

• I miss MY team. The folks that gave me purpose each day. I loved watching them grow, encouraging their ambition and feeling like I could add value to their day.

These days, we track one another via social media and LinkedIn. The occasional text exchange or call feels like a gift. Thankfully, we are all armed with a shared desire to stay connected, the necessary technology and opposable thumbs. Time to call a friend.