More Than Just Co-Workers: The Work Family That Makes It Worth It

Some people think of work as just a job. A place to clock in, get through the day, and go home. But for me, it’s always been about the people—and in my case, some of those people are family.

Every day, I walk into a building filled with the distinct smell of ethanol and marijuana. Sometimes, if I’m lucky, there’s a sweet hint of fruit in the air from the carts or the gummies. It’s a strange combination that wouldn’t make sense anywhere else, but somehow, it’s comforting. It’s part of our world. It’s the background scent of shared laughter, vent sessions, and daily hustle.

And within that space are the people who make it all worth showing up for. My co-workers—though that word doesn’t feel like enough. Some of them have become my best friends. Some are more like family. We come from different worlds, different generations, different walks of life. There’s a big gap between some of us, but you wouldn’t know it by the way we laugh together, support each other, and get through each day side by side.

I’ve worked in other places before, but there’s something different about this one. Somehow, this job brought some truly amazing people into my life—people I probably never would’ve crossed paths with otherwise. And I’m grateful for that every single day.

What makes it even more special is that I get to work with my two youngest sons. One of them is actually my boss—which is still wild to say—but I’m proud of him. And I truly enjoy working alongside both of them. Not everyone gets to say they see their kids every day at work. We may not love what we do, but we love who we do it with.

Some of my co-workers have been there for me and my sons during some of the hardest times in our lives. They’ve stood by us in moments of grief and loss—not because they had to, but because they wanted to. That kind of support doesn’t just come from a job; it comes from people with genuine hearts.

One of my closest work besties even moved to Hawaii to start a new life with her daughter. It was bittersweet to see her go, but we still stay in touch. Because when people matter, distance doesn’t change the connection.

People always say, “Don’t make friends with your co-workers. You’re just there to work.”

I say, screw that.

I wouldn’t have lasted four years in this place without them. The friendships I’ve made, the support I’ve felt, the laughs, the memories—that’s what’s kept me going. The people are what make the workdays easier. The people are why I stay.

So here’s to the work besties, the ones who feel like family—and the ones who are family. The ones who make long shifts bearable and everyday routines something worth showing up for. Work is work. But the people? They’re everything.

Peace, Love and Loud Music,

Mickey