The people I work with are some of the most important people in my day-to-day life. In the early days of my job, my relationship with my coworkers was a myriad of awkward encounters and job-related questions. Those awkward relationships, however, have developed into a small world of inside jokes, shared interests, ceaseless gossip and crazy memories. Even when I'm at work I feel like I'm home because my work family has become my second family, and here's why.
1. You watch the same TV shows and constantly report your thoughts of the latest developments back to each other.
Because when one of your coworkers starts watching “Friends,” it’s time to have a serious talk about what you really think of Ross and Rachel.
2. The majority of your time is passed by discussing life changes, customers and the latest gossip – instead of doing actual work.
Because when you’re presented with the opportunity to clean and restock while complaining about your life, you take it.
3. Your coworkers are the first to know about what’s going on in your life.
They were the first to hear about me changing my major, my thoughts on my best friend’s boyfriend and my latest political tirade. Even though sometimes they are the ones who provoke my tirades.
4. You know each other so well you start acting alike.
Every once in a while you and your coworkers begin to use the same catch phrases and issue identical responses in certain situations. As long as you don't start to look alike, though, everything should be okay.
5. Working becomes an experience about more than just making money.
When your work family becomes your second family, or even your first family, you’re not just working to get on the clock, make money and go home. Work becomes about creating memories and making sure nobody gets left behind.
Sometimes life becomes chaotic and overwhelmingly stressful. During those times I know I can escape to work to spend a few hours with some of my favorite people.
