“2 years max, then I’m out.”

The corner desk I worked at

4 years ago on this exact day, I joined a marketing agency.
The vibes were sus, site was dodgy and walking into it, I remember thinking to myself: “2 years max, then I’m out.”
I was wrong, and I’m happy to admit that because it was one of the best working environments I’ve ever been apart of.

Frankly speaking, the place seemed like it was built on miracles.
Hybrid culture.
Generous office gear.
1-3 mandatory office days… wtf?
But for me, what topped it all was the people.
Most were warm, kind, supportive, collaborative, and I feel really grateful.
Apart from my room and the gym, the office felt like home.

And despite it being a hybrid workspace, I showed up daily.
Naturally, that raised a lot of questions.

”Everyday?”
”For what? Our work is online.”
”Are you trying to make us look bad?”

The truth is this: I say the gym removed the friction of travelling (and it’s true), but honestly, I just wanted to surround myself with people better than me.
Paolo, my ex-boss, was one of those people, and what I realised is that while I enjoyed the luxuries of the culture he created, he still stepped in the office often.
I don’t think he had to, especially during the Covid quarantine, but I saw it as a sign to learn as much as I could.

Paolo providing feedback on the Levi’s FAM event

And I did.
I learned a lot. A lot, a lot.
I see things more holistically now, in business and design.
My processes, versatility in work, and communication skills have all improved.
Heck, half of the projects I’m proud of have been with Skunkworks.
We’ve done some dope stuff, and I take pride in it.

That said, having the privilege to attend this year’s Christmas dinner was emotional.
I had a smile plastered to my face but I couldn’t help but feel the end of a chapter.
It reminded me of how temporary every moment is.
Because one second, you’re laughing with your co-workers in a corner over silly inside jokes.
The next thing you know, you’re all alone in your home office, writing a blog to immortalise the moment.

My breakfast routine is no longer the same without the bread games, childhood experiences or parenthood conversations.
But I have to remember that growing up is about making decisions.
And sometimes, you can’t make the right choice, but you can make the choice right.

It’s Christmas crunch time and dealing with it solo has been challenging.
Things were simpler with a team, and man, I wish I took more pictures.
I see you reading this btw, thank you for all the patience, love and support.
I’ll look back on these memories fondly.