I took a new job a year ago.

Anonymous

May 17,2023 at 7:39PM UTC

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I took a new job a year ago. It's very challenging, chaotic, and frustrating. Some days, I feel like quitting, but....I have a work husband who is fantastic. I feel like I can handle anything as long as he's working there with me. He's of a very similar background but not in my group. We talk about technical things, work stresses, how to handle ourselves with management, but also philosophy, music, history, culture, motivation, everything. There is no chance of it being romantic because of an age difference, and I'm happily married. But, boy, I've never had such a friend! This makes all the difference.

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Gillian ThackrayMay 17,2023 at 8:25PM UTC
Work friends can and do make a huge difference in our work experience.
AnonymousMay 17,2023 at 10:53PM UTC
Aww, this was wonderful to read! Yes, it can make ALL of the difference. At times, all you can do is laugh and it great to have a work buddy who gets it!
There is a lot of truth in the sentiment "Don't be friends at work" yet there is always an exception to the rule as evidenced by your example. Personally, for some inexplicable reason, I have had friends at work who stayed friends even after I left!
Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachMay 19,2023 at 12:47PM UTC
While not everyone can or should be a friend at work, since we spend so much of our time there, having a friend is often key to one’s mental health! Love a happy post!
AnonymousMay 19,2023 at 3:28PM UTC
Susan, so true! Love a happy post, too, and would love to see more!
AnonymousMay 18,2023 at 1:36PM UTC
That’s priceless to have a comrade and colleague to turn to and get through things. If you are wondering if to make it through and stay with that job: weigh your pros and cons or see if you could transition to his “group” or team…but follow your heart about what you want your work legacy to be.
AnonymousMay 19,2023 at 1:03PM UTC
I had a coworker who became a friend and confidante in a chaotic job. Then he got laid off, and now I feel very lonely. I’m having to work to develop other friendships. Just a word of advice to diversify ;)
AnonymousMay 19,2023 at 1:56PM UTC
We find our work families oftentimes when we’re not looking or conscious of it. I had a very close friend about 20 years older whom after many years when she retired called me her work daughter (she had no girls of her own). I have another friend a few years older than me who is still my work brother. We met fairly early in our careers, and after 20 years, countless projects, and 3 different companies still collaborate to this day. We do let people know we consider ourselves professional siblings.
AnonymousMay 19,2023 at 2:22PM UTC
It's wonderful to have a work buddy... just be careful you're not getting into emotional affair territory. That can sneak up on you (or him!) before you know it.
AnonymousMay 19,2023 at 5:17PM UTC
I think its great that you found someone whom you can really connect with, that is often how most people get through the challenges at work. I too have a work husband, we have worked at 3 companies together and it will never be romantic but its one of my best relationships in life that now spans almost 10 years.
AnonymousMay 19,2023 at 5:34PM UTC
That is so cool! Working at 3 different companies?! Wow!
Focused898785May 19,2023 at 6:08PM UTC
Work husbands are the best! And I’m married lol. I miss mine from my old job.
Susan RoblesMay 20,2023 at 12:12AM UTC
Work friends are the best. Still friends with people I met fifteen years ago, in a place that has a lot of issues!
KarenMay 30,2023 at 4:48PM UTC
It's great to have a work buddy that makes such a difference. I too have had that in my career and it was awesome. Although I preferred referring to him as my work brother... we treated each other more like close siblings and kept the weird romantic connotations out of it.