The friends you make at work during your high school/ college years are some of the best people you will ever meet. Working with people is one thing, but hanging out with the people you work with outside of work is a different story. When you have a work family, going to work is something you look forward to, not dread. I am beyond thankful for my work family, and here's why:
1. They understand that you're a different person outside of work.
The people you work with have to deal with the same work-related stresses that you do. They themselves have been through it and understand exactly what you're feeling. They don't mind your venting because they know how you feel, and they know that you'll be there in about 30 minutes to listen to them when the sass of other people around you gets out of control. However, they also know that you're only like this at work. Outside of work, they know that you're personality is more up-beat and cheery because you've spent a lot of time together outside of work. You might be incredibly sassy at work, but outside of work you're a sweetheart. Do you really think they would hang out with you outside of work if you weren't?
2. They give some of the best advice.
The people in your work family are usually around the same age as you (give or take a few years). They have gone through/are going through a majority of the things you have an therefore give some great advice with dealing with all kinds of situations.They know what it's like to have to work 10 hours then go directly home to study for that important test in the morning. They know what it's like to be late and get yelled at because you got pulled over for speeding (oops) and came in to work late. They know what it's like to apply to college while sill in high school and feel like you're doing everything wrong. They always know the right things to say.
3. They make work fun.
The shenanigans that occur at work are never ending. There's always going to be someone mocking you in a joking manner, throwing something at you unexpectedly and expecting you to catch it, scaring you on accident, or even funnier, scaring you on purpose. They know how to lighten the mood and make the worst of days a little less bitter.
4. They have your back.
No matter what. They'll never snitch on you for a mistake, they will take the fall with you if you guys forgot to do something, they'll take on tasks with you every Friday and Saturday night in order to get out of work earlier so you can enjoy your weekend festivities, and they'll never let you take the blame for something you didn't do. They know how some of the other people you work with are and they wont let you take the fall for something you're not at fault for.
and finally,
5. They are some of your favorite people.
After all, you have grown with them. From your awkward high school days to your crazy college years, your work family has been with you the entire way. They watched you go to all of your proms, get your diver's license, start college, and worst (but happiest) of all, they started to see you veer off in a new direction. As some people stay local, others go away to dorm, meet new people, and start new lives. Sure, they come in for breaks and they occasional weekend because they need the money (what college kid doesn't?), but it's not the same as it was in the summer when you guys were working together 24/7. Regardless of their new lives, seeing them never makes you fail to smile. You and your work family will always pick up right where you guys left off.
