Member-only story
What 1 A.M. Conversations With My Coworkers Thought Me About Life
On How Simple Conversations Became A Lifeline
There’s something about my workplace’s dining hall.
It’s not fancy, but it’s quiet, homely and inviting.
Whenever I pass by it, it seems to say: “Sit for awhile, talk to people, share a meal.”
It wasn’t always like this though.
When I first started working here last year, I kept my guard up. I had just come off a job I liked and worked hard for, only to be laid off.
So when I got hired again, it felt familiar. Not in a good way, because I knew “I’ve seen this before.” I’ve had enough jobs to know how things can turn out so this new job no longer felt special.
But even in that early fog of being guarded, I found myself drawn to the people.
We’re not close in the traditional sense, but there’s ease and comfort in how we relate and I liked talking to them.
Then, somewhere, without me noticing, a habit formed.

