Since my company is 100% remote, the team gets together in person once a year for a week. At around 100 people, it’s expensive but also worth it for the social aspects alone.
While attending my first of these events, I tried getting to know as many people as I could. One theme I noticed was how much everyone had given up to be where they are. I talked to someone who had to work extremely hard to get their health back after surviving a brain tumor. I talked to someone who left their dream job to move overseas for their daughter. I talked to someone who moved outside of the city they love so their partner could enjoy the countryside.
These are the stories you’ll rarely hear on a video call, and they show: It’s not just you. Everyone makes sacrifices. One of the many truths we know but like to forget.
Whenever you’re in a room with people you don’t know or don’t understand, imagine: What did they give up on their way to this place? It won’t always solve the problem in front of you, but at least it’ll remind you there’s more that unites us than sets us apart.
