People often get attached to their work colleagues and some of the strongest friendships are created at work due to the crazy hours we spend there. But then a time comes when you have to leave your job and that means leaving your friends behind.
Getting separated from work colleagues can be a devastating and heart-wrenching experience. This means the routine you have created like hanging out during lunch, your after-work beer, or the commutes you take together - is no longer a possibility. But, even after leaving the job, it is possible to stay connected to your work friends and this is how…
Getting separated from work colleagues can be a devastating and heart-wrenching experience. This means the routine you have created like hanging out during lunch, your after-work beer, or the commutes you take together - is no longer a possibility. But, even after leaving the job, it is possible to stay connected to your work friends and this is how…
Try to reach out to them often
It could be as simple as making a call or sending a text once in a while to know about their whereabouts. Try to do so at the time you normally would have grabbed a coffee. You can talk about the new job or business they started. This way you can let your old colleagues know what is going on with your life while staying up to date on the recent events in theirs. Keeping in touch is a sure way to not drift apart and you may find this new way of being friends may bring you even closer together.
It could be as simple as making a call or sending a text once in a while to know about their whereabouts. Try to do so at the time you normally would have grabbed a coffee. You can talk about the new job or business they started. This way you can let your old colleagues know what is going on with your life while staying up to date on the recent events in theirs. Keeping in touch is a sure way to not drift apart and you may find this new way of being friends may bring you even closer together.
Arrange a get-together
Talking on phone calls and texts is great but it is even better to meet in person. Arrange a fun get-together whenever they are free. They may not have extra time on their hands based on what may be going on in their lives but do not be shy to ask them for a quick meetup.
Try setting a date & time suitable for both the people. Great options to plan a quick meetup is asking for lunch or dinner together, going on a fun amusement ride, going to the park, etc. You can also bring your old work friends to meet your new work friends!
Talking on phone calls and texts is great but it is even better to meet in person. Arrange a fun get-together whenever they are free. They may not have extra time on their hands based on what may be going on in their lives but do not be shy to ask them for a quick meetup.
Try setting a date & time suitable for both the people. Great options to plan a quick meetup is asking for lunch or dinner together, going on a fun amusement ride, going to the park, etc. You can also bring your old work friends to meet your new work friends!
Social media can act as an additional mode of communication
When two colleagues are together in the same office, they have the luxury of being beside each other to share pictures and other things directly with their colleagues. But now with the distance between each other, all that is needed is a platform to share these pictures, jokes, texts, etc. and that is was different social media platforms are for.
One can share social media posts, family pictures, news articles, DIY videos, recipe videos, etc. on platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram making it easier than ever to stay in touch.
When two colleagues are together in the same office, they have the luxury of being beside each other to share pictures and other things directly with their colleagues. But now with the distance between each other, all that is needed is a platform to share these pictures, jokes, texts, etc. and that is was different social media platforms are for.
One can share social media posts, family pictures, news articles, DIY videos, recipe videos, etc. on platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram making it easier than ever to stay in touch.
Invite each other to parties and family functions
Weddings, birthdays, engagements, baby showers the list goes on! We have lots of events that we are invited to and this is a great opportunity to invite your work friends!
Do Not Try to Force It
Last but not the least, do not try and attempt to force any relationship. Sometimes wanting to meet up, or keep the same relationship with your colleague, is not exactly what they had in mind. You may try to maintain the relationship but do not force it.
When people leave a job, they leave with lots of valuable things like experience, knowledge, industry connections, new skills, and most importantly, friends. If they want to keep them for life, they have to make the first move and retain the connection. New jobs are about new opportunities as well as a chance to make new friends, maybe that is why you or your friend quit in the first place. Try to understand the situation and make your decisions accordingly - some of your best friends may end up being from your old job but sometimes leaving and making new ones ends up being the healthier alternative.
Weddings, birthdays, engagements, baby showers the list goes on! We have lots of events that we are invited to and this is a great opportunity to invite your work friends!
Do Not Try to Force It
Last but not the least, do not try and attempt to force any relationship. Sometimes wanting to meet up, or keep the same relationship with your colleague, is not exactly what they had in mind. You may try to maintain the relationship but do not force it.
When people leave a job, they leave with lots of valuable things like experience, knowledge, industry connections, new skills, and most importantly, friends. If they want to keep them for life, they have to make the first move and retain the connection. New jobs are about new opportunities as well as a chance to make new friends, maybe that is why you or your friend quit in the first place. Try to understand the situation and make your decisions accordingly - some of your best friends may end up being from your old job but sometimes leaving and making new ones ends up being the healthier alternative.