My friend visited me last weekend. We have known each other for four years now, and three of them we have been working together as equal colleagues. During this time, we became relatively close. There was no other way! Two young women selected as development engineers to a department in production, where at that moment, other co-workers were men. So, more than 50 men and the two of us. Does that sound like a good balance? No, it doesn't, but that’s another story. However, I liked my new colleague from the first moment and I knew that we should stick together.
We became friends, which was the best thing that happened to me at work. The amount of support, understanding, her company and having my back was priceless in our work environment. We spoke about this many times and she felt the same way. I must tell a bit more about her. She is that type of a person, which you can easily trust and when you speak to her, it is so easy to tell her everything, open your heart entirely. She was my rock at our workplace and I wanted to be the same for her. I did everything in my power to support her and have her back, or at least I tried.
A bit less than two years ago, I got pregnant and after eight months, my maternity leave started. While being on my maternity leave, our boss got another position and my colleague became my boss. I knew that she was looking for another job opportunities, so her becoming my boss was a pleasant surprise because I thought that she might stay for a while in her new position. By the way, I wasn’t concerned at all about this change and I knew that this wouldn’t affect our friendship. Actually, when leaving on maternity leave, I wasn’t too pleased with my previous boss and our work environment. For the moment I thought, that she would do some changes for the better.
I was wrong, she couldn’t do any changes. She simply didn’t have time because she received another job offer in another town. Suddenly, I felt like an orphan! Of course, I was extremely happy for her, but at the same time, a bit sad. I don’t have my workplace bestie anymore, I’m on my own.
Luckily, our friendship doesn’t end here. It’s quite easy to stay connected these days, one just has to make a commitment to stay in touch. That commitment I'm willing to do.
This painting represents apple tree flowers and fits with this post. Just like the apple tree, friendship needs to be nurtured. Then it will remain healthy and continue to give you apples a year after another.
Lindiry
