Work Life: Should I Be the One to Reach Out or Wait to Be Invited?

When I first started working in an office in 2021, arriving in the morning, staying all day, and leaving in the evening, it wasn’t easy. I tend to overthink a lot and get easily affected by small things, so starting conversations didn’t come naturally to me. Back then, I had to survive and adapt to the work life. I was one of the youngest employees, while others had 3, 5, or even 10 years old above me.

There were times I felt a little hurt, like when one of the staff bought ice cream and didn’t offer me any, or when I wasn’t included in conversations. Slowly, though, I realized: “I’m the new one here. It’s my job to adapt and take the first step, not wait to be invited.” Bit by bit, I started being more proactive. And honestly, being active at work is a good thing, guys.

By the time I was leaving that job, it was actually hard to let go. Even though I had only been there for about two years, I had really connected with the people. I loved hanging out behind the office, joking with colleagues, visiting different divisions just to say hi and cheer them up. Even now, whenever I think about moving to a new place, it’s not the work itself I worry about leaving, coz it’s leaving the people.

That’s also why I tend not to join every event or activity that could create too many memories—it just makes saying goodbye harder. But I always find my own little ways to make memories. So, in work life, I’ve learned that it’s important to take the first step when it comes to socializing and adapting.

However, when it comes to ideas and projects, there’s a balance. If you’re the one suggesting ideas, sometimes you also end up being responsible for them. So here, it’s important to be smart about pitching ideas and collaborating with your teammates. Sharing the load makes everything lighter, right?