Defining Your Job Legacy.

It's amazing how the people you work with make all the difference. Unfortunately, my colleague and I were laid off together-- however I believe it has made us stronger. Although we've lost ours jobs, I continue to have my invaluable friendship to help me pull through it. This post is dedicated to my close friend and mentor: Karen Tapahe  (she's great, single, and looking! For a job that is.) 

This was taken day one of my job, Karen and I recognized each other and
she immediately jumped up and gave me a hug.

Karen and I have a unique friendship, we actually met while I was working a night job for fun at a local gas station. Karen and I always would chat it up and discovered our shared passion--Communication, PR, Social Media, and Non-Profits. Karen and I exchanged business cards, connected on Linkedin, and would chat whenever she came into the gas station.

When I started working at my last job, Karen remembered me and greeted me with open arms. She took me under her wing and patiently worked with me until I perfected the comfort-ability of performing my job. Karen and I had many talks, I referred to her as my office momma--because she let me confide and trust in her. She also always would go out of her way to do her job to the best of her abilities and make everyone around her feel loved and comfortable.

Upon being let go, I was told I wasn't the only one being let go from my company. A pit grew in my stomach wondering which employee in my group would be leaving. I went back to my desk and immediately texted Karen I was let go, I heard her phone ding--she was still in the office and nowhere to be found. As I drove home in tears, my phone received a text. Karen was let go as well.

I was in panic that her and I were let go. However, I believe it would've been much worse if they would have selected only one of us to be left go. Surprisingly, I am happy to admit--with how hard this has been, I am so grateful to have Karen by my side. Karen has been a great support to me through the entire process and I hope I can do the same for her.

 I am beyond grateful to have had such great luck with meeting phenomenal people. I'm grateful for all of the friends I've made from my past work experiences. I feel that we also take, give, and learn from those that we work with. So in conclusion, I'd like to point out--although the work experience you obtain from jobs is great, the relationships you can maintain afterwards are what matter. Who will you keep in touch with when you move on from your job, how will you be remembered?