This morning, a good friend and I exchanged text messages.

He: How’s it going?

Me: Good. Sort of in a year-end reflective thing. You?

Friday would have been my last day of work.

What now?

He: I received a care package from work, hundreds of dollars worth of stuff from coloring books to a bath robe, candy, gift cards. I’m reflecting on that.

Me: That’s interesting. It’s clear you make an impact on those you work with. There’s so much value in bringing humor and true human empathy to a job, in leadership or not. Helping to make the grind tolerable and even enjoyable is invaluable. Maybe I’ll reflect and write a bit about that.

So, about that.

I’m seeing these year-end reflection posts on LinkedIn. Most attempt to be uplifting when, for many, working life is grinding people down. 2025 produced a litany of desperate posts on this social media site for professionals. While it’s far worse for those worried about paying the mortgage or car payment, feeding their children, or even keeping a roof over their heads, many still working do so with the specter of the corporate grim reaper hovering, sickle at the ready. Although LinkedIn didn’t include it in my 2025 Year in Review, the highlight was being laid off. Yeah, it was a parting gift to someone contemplating retirement at year-end. While the gift was welcomed, the words, “Your position has been eliminated,” stunned me. I thought about the team I was responsible for and a larger team I worked with daily. I managed to fire off two “Goodbye” messages via Microsoft Teams before my company-issued laptop did the HAL9000, “My mind is going. I can feel it.” routine before shutting down. We didn’t get the chance for goodbyes.

There is no complete reflecting on a 42-year work life unless it’s in book form, so this will be the abridged version. I wouldn’t call my labor a career. I didn’t plan it, and I was lucky. I had some excellent managers, worked with many smart, talented people, and served two good companies. The jury is still out on the third. The people who stand out over the years connected on a human level. They cared about people, not simply the means of production. Of course, production matters, so get shit done.

The one reflection I do have is a hope that during my 10,000+ days of work, I helped make the grind tolerable and even enjoyable for those I shared it with.