Dear Younger Fred… one day, you'll realize being a good colleague is one of life's greatest privileges…
You'll spend a lot of your life at work.
Hours will turn into years…
and over time, something unexpected happens…
The people you work with won't just be colleagues anymore.
They'll become part of your life.
Sometimes… even closer than family.
Because they'll see you on the ordinary days.
The stressful days.
The uncertain days.
And one day… life will hit you hard.
There will be moments where your world feels like it's closing in.
When your relationship feels like it's falling apart.
When your grandmother is dying.
When your mind feels heavy… and your chest feels tight.
You'll remember that feeling…
Like you can't fully catch your breath.
Like everything is happening at once.
And in those moments, something small will mean everything:
A colleague who notices.
Someone who pulls you aside.
Someone who asks, "Are you okay?"
Someone who listens… without trying to fix everything.
Someone who simply gives you space to feel seen… and heard.
And strangely… sometimes that's all we need.
Not advice.
Not solutions.
Just someone willing to sit with us for a moment… so we don't feel alone.
As your career grows, you'll begin to notice something important:
Life is a circle.
At different moments, you will need support.
At other moments, you will be the support.
And one of the greatest accomplishments you won't see coming…
is becoming the colleague who is there for others… the same way someone was there for you.
The one who notices.
The one who listens.
The one who makes space for another human being… when they need it most.
Dear friend… when life gives you the opportunity…
Be that person.
Because more often than we realize…
A simple conversation can change someone's entire day.
Sometimes… even their life.
After all…
That's what makes the world go around.
Baaaaam — that's it for today.
See you next Thursday.
Stay curious,
Fred
