The Value of Connection in the Workplace (and how I ended up here)

I worked at the Erie Food Co-Op for 8.5 years. This has been the biggest commitment of my life thus far. I mean, I’m 28. That’s my entire adult life. So many people were blown away when I told them that I’d held a job for that long, and trust me, I’m blown away by it, too. But do you know why I spent my entire adult life at one job? Because of the community. The people that I met there were my family. I had never experienced love and connection like that, other than with my own family and closest friends. I’ll tell you; it was unlike anything else I had ever experienced. My co-op family supported me through all my wild transitions (and BLESS them, because I was definitely a mess for a while there). They saw me for who I am – goofy, creative, passionate, sensitive, loving, and (sometimes) wildly inappropriate and honored me for being that person.

I think part of the reason I stayed at the co-op for so long, even when I knew it was my time to go, was because I didn’t think that developing that kind of connection in a workplace was possible anywhere else. I was afraid to leave that family behind, not knowing if I’d ever find that kind of connection again in a professional setting.

A few years ago, I started casually making teas for my friends (utilizing knowledge from studying with an herbalist, years back). Little did I know then that I’d end up creating one of the most special things in my life today, Sacred Ayla Tea Co., an intuitive herbal tea business.

Between starting my own tea business, being a singer/songwriter/performer, and having a full time managerial position at the co-op, I started to feel burned-out. No--I did burn out. I knew that it was time to leave the co-op when I had a monumental “AHA” moment one day. I was having a complete mental breakdown in the HR office, sobbing, knowing that I had no energy left for myself. As much as I loved my job, I knew that I was putting the things that I cared the most about on the back burner, and that realization hit me like a pile of bricks. The moment of truth stemmed from a few things; I had fallen into complacency, and I finally got angry enough to do something about it. At that moment, I had to finally make the decision to choose myself. I put in my notice and decided to take the leap of faith, trusting that my new business and singing would help me to pay the bills. I’d figure out the rest later.

Then, serendipitously, the position for Community Organizer at Radius CoWork popped up -- a part time position that supported my entrepreneurial goals in a place full of people that inspired me. I went for it and, with gratitude, I am here today. 

In my first two weeks at Radius, I have felt the love these people have for one another. It's really heartwarming. Like I said, I never thought that I would find that kind of connection in a workplace again but Radius took me by surprise. I see people laughing, joking, engaging, connecting, and encouraging each other. I see people making big moves and doing it successfully because of the support system behind them. This is what we all need. Love, connection, laughter, and friendship. 

Some people believe that work can’t be enjoyable - that work is “work” and “life” happens separately. However, I believe that we make the most profound impact when we combine what we care about with the work that we do - when we pour our hearts into connection; work intentionally to build a strong, supportive community; and lift up one another in order to make a difference in the world. The things that I’ve always believed in and sought after exist in this place. I am grateful to be here and to grow alongside the amazing people in this community.