The coworkers of jobs past

Last night I went to an anniversary party for my old employer. I wasn't totally sure if I felt like going because I didn't work there anymore and would it be weird? But it was the best place to see the people that I'd worked with and really liked in one place, so I told myself I'd go for an hour and be home by 8 to start picking up my house for the baby shower I'm hosting this weekend. Turns out I didn't leave until after 10 because I was having so much fun chatting with people. Individually, it's so nice to see the people I've worked with and liked. Collectively, it reminded me of how much fun we had working on projects together. I feel that way about a lot of the places I've worked when there are super cool people who work there. I don't want to return to those jobs, I just like to remember how much fun we had and how much everyone has taught me over the years. The evolution of my work experience has been so varied and what I'm doing now is so very different to what I thought I would be doing, but I'm so glad I was open to the opportunity so I didn't miss out on a career I love at an employer who challenges me to be better and recognizes when I have worked really hard. I have no idea where I will be in 5 years time and what I'll be doing and how many more amazing people I will meet along the way, but I guess that's the best part about the future - looking forward to it.