As I wrap up my last day at my current job due to the end of the contract, I’m reminded of something that often we tend to forget and that is that life changes.

When you work contracts like I have for a long enough time, you start to realize that often times when you move on or a team member moves on, it is like losing a friend.  I have made the mistake of trying to drop into old haunts where I had worked in the past but I find that this doesn’t really work.  It’s because when you are part of the team, that is what connects you…being on the team.  Once you leave for whatever reason, you really aren’t on that team anymore and your reasons to interact have been removed.  You don’t have projects to report on or work on and have communications about with the people you once called team mates.  You don’t have a purpose to be in the old workspace anymore and dropping in can become awkward for everyone.

For this reason, it’s why when you leave, it feels like you loose friends upon your exit of the company.

Life can be this way and often those changes happen much slower than in the workplace since the workplace forges teamwork and connections much faster…if it’s a great workplace.  Mine was and this is why after a short time, I am experienceing a sense of loss.  Sometimes, the departure is eagerly anticipated and we don’t “throw a match over our shoulder” just out of professional courtesy.  Today was a bittersweet departure and I will recall this place with good memories.  I shared a cube with another contractor who was excellent to work with and I think that when I recall this company, I will think of my office friend, Frank and my most excellent manager, Matt.

Thanks fellas.

-C