A Tribute To The Work Bestie
Ever since I was the ripe, old age of 15 I have been a “working girl.” I have always reveled in the idea of making my very own money and the feeling of independence that it offers. I have been employed in many factions and various types of work but one thing that all of these occupations have in common is that each one provided me with a friend that I especially enjoyed working alongside.
That one person that you looked forward to surviving a shift with, that made it fun, and allowed lasting memories to live with you.
In the past I have picked up weights and wiped down gym equipment with my buddy Adam at the local gym. I sat guests and cleaned menus as a hostess at a restaurant with my friend Leah in college. I returned clothes to their appropriate racks and helped anxious gentlemen pick out jewelry for their girlfriends with my sweet pal Alexis at Kohls and many more. One thing I know, without a doubt, is that each job I worked, from my first to my current one, I will never forget my ‘work bestie.’ Those individuals couldn’t have been more different from each other, or from me, to be honest. The funny thing is most of the time your work bestie couldn’t be more different from you – age, gender, hobbies – none of that matters at work. Your only thing in common is where you clock in each day to earn a paycheck and that one thing is all it takes to create a special bond sometimes.
Going to work everyday, or most days, may not always ignite the independent woman vibe and sometimes there are other motivators needed to get our tushes out of bed and into the “office.” Of course a paycheck provides the resources for us to feed our families and afford gas in our vehicles is quite the enticement, though, sometimes, the camaraderie with an unexpected friend to look forward to is a bonus.
At my current job, I am lucky enough to have a handful of remarkable women that, frankly, make some days bearable.
Because, let’s be honest, no one’s job is perfect. We all have “those days.” My desk is right next to one of those wonderful women and her name is Erin. Each morning we laugh about how hectic my morning was and watch the newest silly video of her grand babies. We complain and vent when we have to deal with the not-so-fun parts of our job and, man, do we critique and check out every new pen we come across. I have shared things with Erin that I probably haven’t even shared with my longest friends from elementary school. We discovered that we would get along great the first week that I started here with our shared interest in “gross” things and tendencies to overshare. My great friend recently moved on to a new office to enhance her career and I am so proud of her. Though I miss her dearly, each day that I sit at my desk and see her empty chair I just remind myself how courageous she is and know that she is going to do exceptional things. We still keep in touch most days but I will forever cherish the years we spent alongside one another and the ups and downs that we have shared: the tears, the laughs, the hugs and the unexpected.
Having a work bestie is one of life’s most magnificent gifts and I am thankful for each one that I have encountered. Despite the sadness that I have felt each time one of our lives has forged ahead, I find myself abundantly grateful that our paths have crossed.
