When a colleague you care about puts in their notice, emotions are two-fold. On one hand, you are genuinely thrilled for them. They’ve landed a new opportunity and are about to start a new chapter in their professional journey. It’s exciting, and there’s so much to look forward to. But on the other hand, you can’t help but feel the pang of missing them in your day-to-day. The collaboration, the shared moments of triumph and frustration, and the camaraderie that defined your remote work life together… it all changes.
It’s easy to get caught up in the feeling that, because we work remotely, our interactions lack depth. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. The connections we form with colleagues across time zones, with whom we share not only projects but also personal stories, frustrations, and victories, are just as real as those forged in the traditional office space.
I’ve had the privilege of working with many incredible people in my career. Some colleagues were there for a season, just long enough to collaborate on a project or bring a new perspective to a team. Others stayed a little longer, sharing successes and challenges, helping me grow both professionally and personally. Then, there are those who have become a permanent fixture in my work life, whether we continue to collaborate closely or just check in occasionally.
But when a close colleague leaves, that’s different. It’s a reminder that change is inevitable. We must let go of the people who move on, but we must also do so with gratitude. We carry forward the lessons learned, the experiences shared, and the memories of late-night analytics analysis, quick brainstorming sessions, and the moments of encouragement when things weren’t going as planned.
One of the things I’ve learned over the years is that it’s easy to overlook how much we value these relationships until they start to shift. We’re not in the same room, not sharing coffee in person, so it can feel like the connection is somehow less than. But when a colleague who has been a part of your day-to-day work routine announces their departure, you realize just how much their presence has meant to you. It’s those seemingly small moments, commenting on each other’s Teams posts, swapping a meme after a long day, or even just being there during a stressful meeting, that make remote work feel human.
When a remote work friend moves on, we often feel a little sad, even if we’re happy for their new opportunity. The dynamics shift, and there’s an undeniable sense of change. But with that change, we grow. We grow because we adapt to the absence and carry forward what that person contributed to our remote work life.
What I’ve come to realize is that this is a good thing. It’s proof that the work we’re doing is meaningful, that we’ve created something important, even if it’s from across state lines. Our relationships, our collaborations, and our moments of connection are all part of a bigger journey. One where we help each other grow and evolve, no matter how far apart we might be physically.
So, to those colleagues who have moved on, thank you. Thank you for the lessons, for the laughter, and for the challenges. I’m grateful for what we accomplished together, and I will carry that forward into the future. As remote workers, we may not share the same office space, but that doesn’t diminish the value of the relationships we build.
We may be miles apart, but we’re always just a message away. And while we will no longer work on the same projects, the connection we’ve built will continue to influence the work I do, the way I approach challenges, and the way I value collaboration.
To my dear friend who inspired this post, I wish you nothing but the best. I’m excited to see where this new chapter takes you. And though we may not share a virtual office anymore, know that I’ll always be rooting for your continued success.
