Going Out to Lunch

"Going out to lunch" is an office workers escape. When I worked a "real" job, I often found myself at lunch with coworkers. This was our time to dish the dirt and all around relax our minds from whatever was going on at work. These lunches were especially necessary during the tumultuous and uncertain times of the recession when we experienced 3 layoffs over the period of only a few short months. Lunch was a time for camaraderie and fun. I enjoyed it - A LOT!

Now that I'm freelancing, I miss those days. Honestly, "lunch dates" are one of the few things that I miss about working outside of the home. I miss that opportunity to socialize over food. Now I sit at my computer and eat. Going out to lunch is not so much about satisfying hunger (certainly you're hungry) as it is spending time away from the office with people you've gotten to know through work.

At any rate, I was surprised today by two other people who work as contractors for the same company I work with. Needless to say, it was a very pleasant surprise. They live over 8 hours away (driving), so it's not like we see each other often. As a matter of fact, this was my first time seeing them. However, I picked up in conversation with them as if I'd known them for a while. I enjoyed being able to get out again and enjoy time with people who can "relate" to my work.

The moral of the story is: sometimes it's nice to go out to lunch. It allows you to escape the office and socialize a bit. Humans are very social creatures, thus we need socialization in order to thrive - even when it comes to our work.

How many of you have lunch groups you go out to eat with every so often? Do you think this makes your day run more smoothly?

Posted in: freelance lifestyle,going out to lunch