To The Coworkers Who Have Become My Family

By Emma Spear

I feel like what they say about your coworkers is the same as what they say about your family.

You can’t pick them. You may not like them at times, but you know that you’re stuck with them, so you might as well deal with them the best you can. But, I have to say, I got pretty lucky with mine.

When I first applied for my current job, my dad worked there as well. He’s the reason why I (hesitantly) applied.

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I’m sure all my coworkers are reading this and thinking, “What, Em?” and I promise that I am being honest.

I did not want to work at this job. There was something about it that wasn’t appealing to me. Maybe it had to do with the fact that I would be working with my dad or the fact that I would find out that it wasn’t for me, which meant I’d have a reality check.

I thought I’d need to find a new career path eventually. But luckily, I found myself on my very first day of the job loving every single second of it, and it occurred to me that this is where I want to be — this is where I need to be.

And it had to do a lot with all the wonderful (and pretty wacky) people I work with. Since then, I’ve known my coworkers as people I can count on to make my day better.

I could be having the worst day of my life at work and I’ll see someone shoot a bright smile at me instantly making it better. I work with people who’d stop what they’re doing and go the extra mile for me.

These are some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met! But I didn’t really realize just how amazing these people are until I was the one in need.

My dad, unfortunately, needed to stop working at our job due to a medical condition this past year. And let me tell you, I have never seen a group of people who provided so much love and support as my work family did for me.

Not a single day went by when they didn’t shower me with love and kindness. Whether it was a ride home, a homemade dinner, or just a tight hug. They were there for me when I felt alone.

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I’ve never been able to put into words how truly appreciative I am of them all. I just want to take the time to say, “Thank you.”

Thank you for listening when I ramble.

Thank you for the countless car rides (that I was “forced” to ask for... I’m getting better at it!)

Thank you for not judging when I’m in the middle of a breakdown. It means the world to me.

Thank you for first making sure I’m okay, then laughing at me when I crash into things around the building (well, most of you, that is).

Thank you for all the tight hugs I’ve received in the middle of the hallways. I love them.

Thank you for always putting a smile on my face.

Thank you for making me laugh after I cried in front of you. It’s magical.

Thank you for laughing with me (and not at me) when you find me dancing in the hallways with the kids.

Thank you for creating an environment where I can 100% be my true self. It’s so important.

Thank you for watching out for me even when you thought I wasn’t aware. It makes me feel safe.

Thank you for giving me a place I can call “home.” It’s the best feeling in the world.

Thank you for being my family when I needed it the most.

And lastly, thank you all for just being the wonderful people that you are.

I couldn’t be more grateful to be a part of this family. I hope I’ve left the same impression on all of you that you’ve left on me.

Better get used to having me around, because you’re stuck with me (whether you like it or not).

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Emma Spear is a student, paraeducator, writer, and contributor to Unwritten. She has a passion for writing about mental health, self-care, and education.