8hrs Socializing

Many friends and family members have always said that I refuel my soul through human connection.

As a waiter, I was exposed to all kinds of people. At a winery, I built deep relationships. Working in retail, I made it a point to go beyond the usual “Hello, how are you?” dialog and really get to know customers.

That perspective was put to the test when I took a job with a driving company, spending entire shifts test-driving SUVs. I dreaded it. I questioned what I was doing there and whether I even belonged. During training, I spent hours shadowing different drivers, wondering how I'd make the most of it and not so dire.

Toward the end of my second week, I inquired within: What can I do to make myself more useful in this situation?

The answer came: connect with people. Since I was spending hours alongside different drivers, I began asking questions, sharing stories, and getting to know them. Although I still didn't see myself in the role long-term, I found value in the people I met and the conversations we shared. Eventually, another company I had been waiting to hear back from extended an offer. I accepted and onward to the new job.

The takeaway: Sometimes we find ourselves in situations that don't feel right or seem completely foreign to us. It's easy to become frustrated, dwell on the negatives, and mentally check out. But if we pause, shift our perspective, and make the most of what's in front of us, we may discover an opportunity to utilize the very skills we value most—even in places we never expected.