I had another post in mind to write, but this one popped up suddenly. I have lived a very transient life, both professionally and personally. Moving every three years or so, and getting a new job in the process does not make for lasting relationships.
Because of this life style, I have two choices to make in regards to acquaintances: 1) keep them at arm's length, be civil and polite, but never really get to know them because, lets face it, I (or they) am/are leaving, or 2) get to really know them in a very short, intense time, because, lets face it, I (or they) am/are leaving.
As I look back on my unique lifestyle, I think about the conversations I have had with people who in other circumstances, I would have taken years to talk about some of the topics we spoke about. I am not the first to notice that in an intense, aggressive operational mode you sometimes get to know people better than you would your brother (or sister.)
I am somewhat envious of people who have had the same friends over 20 or 30 years, while most of mine have moved on to other areas of the globe. However, I would say that I value their contributions to my life no less, and because we only had a short time together, maybe value their friendship even more. They also had the same two choices in regards to me and chose to become friends. It is easy to take for granted your friends and family when you think you have years left with them.
I have a friend, and I am proud to call her a friend, who worked with me for about three months and is moving on. In that short space of time, we had numerous conversations about family, career, politics and just general bs. She helped me laugh and I hope I helped her laugh during some pretty lengthy days. I know a little bit about her family, and she knows a little bit about mine. I highly doubt we will ever run into one another (although we do have a bet on it) but I will remember the time we shared and the influence she had on my life.
Good luck, M
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
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6 comments:
I agree with you 100%. Good friends are hard to find. When your one true friend arrives, he/she will stick with you through every trial of your life.
I like your blog dad. I've realized as I look back on my life, even though I hated moving every three years or so I have seen some things most people have never seen. And also I have friends all over the country because you decided to join the navy. But I just want to thank you for giving me a great childhood, even though I complained, a lot! But love you dad!
i can definitely relate to this when i was freelancing.
it's a temporary job that may last a week or a year:
1. do i do the job the best i can and leave?
2.or do i go the extra mile to go beyond the project and try to connect with these people?
i did both options. depending on the project, i would have a gut feeling if something was worth the extra mile. and if it wasn't then i'd put that extra energy into a different project.
fortunately i chose the second one as well, because i not only networked but i met some pretty great friends along the way.
Military, Freelance, Part-Time work, Relationships - this method of thinking applies to so many aspects of life. we just gotta remember to take advantage of it when we can - glad to hear that you have done it so that it has impacted your life in a positive way. btw - how much is the bet for?
Thanks for the positive comments everyone!
The bet is for $20...
I can saay that i probally cornected with this story most of them all. I too have lived all around spending time in both the midwest and the far west (Kansas..hahaha). I can honestly say that some of my most favorite friends and collages are from kansas which is funny since I was only there for a few of my years. I wish I could say i remember there names cuz i don't, but i do remember there faces and the good times we spent together. There will always be memories and that's what you were trying to say, right? Cherrish them and share those ideas with averyone else too so you can know the difference between a good "temporary" friend and a long term "great" friend. We now have tehcnology to keep us all close so theres no excuses. Keep the faith!
I wanted to let you know that I got your hidden meaning of the spelling of life (you spelled it liife). Your saying theres more to life so live it up. Good hidden meaning!!!
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