For all my high school, college, and post-grad audience, we know too well that the jobs we work during these stages of our lives typically stink. You have crappy hours, you don't make enough money, your boss never seems to be in a good mood, and that one coworker is always bothering you about something. Being an adult is the worst. I have worked my fair share of decent jobs throughout high school and college. While some weren't very fun and others were straight up miserable, the thing that made going to work every day so much more tolerable was the fact I could talk to my fun coworkers. '
We all have a few co-workers we can't stand and that's a given at any job you take. You don't always get along with your co-workers, but when you do it's one of the best moments. When you find that coworker who actually enjoys talking to you and you actually enjoy talking to them, it is about as equivalent to finding a needle in a hay stack. I have been blessed with many awesome co-workers throughout the jobs I have worked in my short lifetime. I look forward to talking to them and to have one person I can lean on for a laugh or support throughout the workday.
Many of these co-workers have become close friends of mine and I am truly thankful that those jobs brought them into my life. Here are some signs you have a co-worker who is the bomb.com.
1. They make the workday fun
Whether it is random runs to Starbucks to get a coffee, inside jokes, or trying to get them to laugh when you are on a video conference with your whole team, having a fun coworker is the best thing ever! It's nice to have someone who makes the work day entertaining so you are not bored out of your mind all day.
2. You talk to them outside of work and it's not awkward
Chances are, if you and your fun coworkers get along, you immediately add each other on social media and exchange phone numbers. Even when you are not at work, you find yourself sending them a meme or tagging them in something funny on social media and it's not weird at all; you actually enjoy hearing from them and learning more about them!
3. They help you out when you need it
If you have a tough job, it's nice to have a coworker help you out when you need it. If you're anything like me, asking for help can sometimes be hard to do when you prefer doing everything by yourself. Whether it is helping you with a customer's issue or answering questions you have about how to do a certain task, they are happy to help you out even though they may joke around about how you don't know how to do a simple task (all in good humor of course).
4. They keep you in the loop on the office drama
People are full of drama, that's a given. As much as we try to avoid it, it seems there is always something going on in the work atmosphere. If you're like me, you usually keep to yourself and are oblivious to any drama that may be happening. It's nice to have someone fill you in so you don't look like an idiot if any of the drama is ever brought up.
5. You support each other's accomplishments and dreams
At times, you wonder why you are at this job and if you're truly living up to your potential. While you know that your favorite coworker may eventually leave this job in order to pursue their true dreams, as coworkers/friends, it is your job to support each other and their dreams. Never doubt the power of a coworker who believes in you and your capabilities as much as you believe in you. Thank you for your support and for pushing me to achieve what I want most out of life even if it means taking a new job.
6. They understand how miserable your job can be sometimes
I am sure your parents and your friends think you are being a bit dramatic sometimes when you explain how hectic your day was. Your coworker on the other hand, faces the same customers and supervisors you do so they understand how your job can test your patience sometimes and make you crabby. Luckily, they are there to tell you some of your required tasks are bullcrap and they understand you.
7. You are sad when you don't have the same schedule as them
Nothing is worse than facing the crazies without your favorite coworker there to talk you down from the ledge.
8. You miss them when they don't show up to work
YOU DON'T GET TO BE SICK WITHOUT ME! At least give me a heads up that you won't be there so I can prepare myself to make a friend for when you don't show up, otherwise, I'll be chatting your jabber like you are actually here.
9. You have someone who just gets you
I promise you, there is nothing better than finding someone who gets you at work. Work is tough, and it can cause you to break down sometimes. If I have learned anything from the jobs I have worked, just be yourself and the right people will find you. Make friends not enemies and I promise it won't be as much of a struggle to convince yourself to go to work every day.
Thank you to all of my coworkers past, present, and future, for dealing with my rants, sarcastic humor, sassy jokes, ill-timed laughter, strange questions, and at times my short temper. I am so glad to have been able to work alongside you and I appreciate you making work interesting and fun when at times it was not. I am grateful for the friendships all of my jobs have brought me and all the interesting people I have met as a result of them.