THE ONLY BLACK GUY IN THE OFFICE
The Survivor’s Guilt When Black Co-Workers Leave the Job
Sure, you wish them well—but navigating the aftershocks is tricky at non-diverse companies
Update 6/7/22: Level has a new home. You can read this article and other new articles by visiting LEVELMAN.com.
A couple of weeks ago, I poured out a lil’ liquor for the homie. I knew Ryan would leave us eventually; I just wasn’t ready to see his time come so soon. But I’m finding solace in the fact that he’s moving on to a better place — a land where vacation time is unlimited, gym reimbursements are plentiful, and 401(k) funds get matched. Ryan got a new job.
No matter the reason, it’s tough to see colleagues leave for greener pastures, especially the ones who are part of your daily routine. Even teammates you think of as acquaintances provide some semblance of equilibrium, an inextricable part of your office ecosystem. When that team member is someone you’re cool with, it can alter your experience even more. And it hits the hardest when said co-worker is one of the few people of color on an otherwise blacktose-intolerant staff.
For me, Ryan represented both. Black folks feel like an endangered species at my gig, and with his exit from the…
