Lessons Learned from Leaving

If it’s one thing I’ve learned from leaving the fruit company, it’s that you don’t fully know the impact you have had on other people until you leave. The corollary is also true — you don’t know the impact other people have had on you until they’re gone.

June 5 was my last day at the fruit after hitting my 13 year anniversary just a few weeks prior, and I had all kinds of mixed emotions about leaving. On the one hand, I was excited to pursue a new career opportunity, but on the other hand I was sad about leaving behind meaningful relationships forged along the way. In fact, I was somewhat overwhelmed by the gratitude and kind words expressed by my coworkers and business partners.

Did I really do that much? A part of me wondered.

Sally and Lizzy are two lovely baristas at the coffee bar in my building. In the year and a half that I was there, I settled into a routine of paying for coffee when I go to the office (previously I’d either bring coffee from home or get the free substandard coffee). I would make small talk with whoever was at the coffee bar depending on how busy it was, and then I’d do the same in the afternoon when getting hot water and (free) tea.

We didn’t have particularly deep conversations, but I got to know them from the usual pleasantries and chatting about our weekends. They were friendly to talk to, and our interactions were always a bright spot in my day. As I got to know them better I would also bring them treats from my vacations, as was my custom with coworkers.

I didn’t realize much I had valued their presence until a few months ago when I encountered two substitute baristas while getting my morning coffee. Their absence surprised me since they hadn’t mentioned any vacation plans, and to be honest I was annoyed they weren’t there. I wasn’t annoyed at them, but their cheerful presence had become part of my morning routine, and their absence threw me off. (The following week, I found out both of them had contracted Covid.)

When they got back I made sure to tell them how much I appreciated them, and joked that they couldn’t do that again.

Isn’t it funny how we often don’t express our appreciation for the people in our lives until you notice their absence? I’m not sure Sally and Lizzy knew how much I valued their presence even after I told them, and in not a dissimilar way, I had no idea how much my business partners valued my relationship with them until I told them I was leaving.

As I embark on this new chapter, I carry with me a deeper appreciation for the people who have touched my life at the fruit company in ways both big and small. Whether it’s a coworker, business partner, or a friendly barista, it’s important to recognize and cherish these relationships, as they enrich our lives in ways we might not fully understand until they’re gone.