Wait, I’m sad?

[fbhjr]

Yesterday was my summer intern’s last day. We took her to lunch and wished
her well going back for her master’s degree.

At the end of the day I did the exit interview for her.
One of the questions was about what they liked most about the internship.

“I like that everyone eats lunch together,” she said. “Other places where
I’ve been an intern, everyone just sits at their desk and reads during
lunch. Here most of the folks eat together and that’s really nice.
“Wait,” I said. “I normally eat at my desk and read…”
“And, we missed you. It’s sad you didn’t eat with us more.”

I guess it is nice to be missed.
But, the half an hour or so I usually get to myself as I eat in front of my
computer is often the high point of my day.
I can look at the news, write an entry like this, write to the Godkids, or
read something.

I like most of my coworkers. The times I have to eat with them, like
yesterday’s goodbye dinner, are fine. I don’t go out of my way to avoid
them or anything.

But, having a quiet time in the middle of the day is very nice for me.
I don’t have to answer questions.
I don’t have to ask questions.
I don’t have to think of something that can be discussed.

I guess I’m sorry if folks feel they are missing out on me.
But, if they want that, they need to hire me to peform.

Comments

[ravena-kade.livejournal.com]

Ummmm...if lunch time was the best thing I am not sure if she really likes what projects you had her doing. I would enjoy some social interaction at work, but the lunch 30 min is a recharge time for many... I know do not WANT to eat with some of the folks I work with. I also think my boss needs a break from her people.

[brickhousewench.livejournal.com]

Ummmm...if lunch time was the best thing I am not sure if she really likes what projects you had her doing.

Not necessarily. I really liked my first TW job and the projects that I got to work on. But one of the best things about that job was that I felt like I knew the people I worked with because we all ate lunch together every day. Feeling like you're part of a team just might be the best part about any job, no matter what the actual work might be like.

[ravena-kade.livejournal.com]

True, team work is important... But in my experiences I would have answered with team work, team atmosphere instead of lunch.... And I have had excellent team work without eating every day with folks. It just sounds funny to me.

[fbhjr.livejournal.com]

I think she was offering it as one example of why it is a friendly work environment, not the only example.