This year I lost three of my friends. Two were travelers who worked with me, the third was a mentor and leader. Two were from illness, and the other was loss from a tragic story of partner abuse. I met all of these people through my career as a healthcare recruiter. My mentor shaped my idea of what a recruiter should be, he was gregarious and had faith in me. Just before he died, he was still campaigning for me. For the other two, I was their recruiter, confidant, and friend.

While I hadn’t spoken with one of them in a while, the other one and I communicated often. They were all a large loss. She was the first traveler I’d ever placed, and I remember her kidding me at the beginning that I’d forget about her after the assignment, and I responded how could I forget about my first. I get choked up thinking about all three of them, and how they impacted my life, how they were there for me when I had questions, and how I was able to help them with their career, or they with mine.

I have made many friends from this industry, some are still close, some have slipped away, but all mean something to me. Whether they were a co-worker, client, or a traveler, it was always more than a transaction, we bonded and became friends. This business is about people, many forget that recruiting is about caring for others and helping them in their careers, celebrating their accomplishments, and empathizing with their losses. We are all in this together!
I will miss them but will remember them and their impact on my life, and celebrate our friendships.