Life

Should You Let Your Little Brother Work With You?

The Sister of Carson Walker

I am in the slowest elevator in the world with an unnamed coworker. After a few seconds of internal debate the unknown coworker finally asks, “Is it true?” Although he is trying not to smile, the corners of his lips are fighting their way up to his cheeks. In my head I already know what he is about to say, but I let him finish. “Is it true that you are Carson Walker’s sister?!”

This happens at least once a week.

Flashback to a year ago. My little brother had just hopped off a plane from a two-year mission to Ghana Africa. He was a penniless college student rocking an anything but ordinary Bob Marley accent. At the end of his first two terms back at college he needed a job and asked if I would help him get a position on my company’s internal call floor.

In two weeks my worst fears had come true. Exhibit A:

My brother was instantly a hit on the call floor and was known for his loud chuckles, energy, and yes his planking-esk office stunts.

Over this past year many coworkers have asked me how I like working with my brother. The truth is that as terrified as I was about the idea, I ended up loving it and here is why:

Reason 1: Biggest Fan in the Office

The first month Carson started working at my office people thought he was a secret admirer from the call floor. If you haven’t caught on by now… we look NOTHING alike, we act completely different, and nobody could find a better explanation for why an employee would repeatedly shout my name from across the office until I waved back. As red as my face always got, in a sea of white collars it always feels good to know someone cares about you.

Reason 2: Keeping Things Real

It’s hard to act like a snobby office hot-shot when your brother stops by to remind your co-workers that you need to call your mom back. Not only that, but in chaotic business meetings where the “important things in life” were being overlooked, I would glance down to find messages like these scribbled in my notebook. Exhibit B:

Reason 3: Family Matters

A few months ago a sudden re-organization within the company caught me off guard. I was told to take the rest of the day off to regroup. Unfortunately, I had carpooled to work. About to burst into tears and stranded at my desk, I text my brother. I got a response within seconds that said “I am already on my way to the office to come get you.” This wasn’t the first time my lil bro came to the rescue.

Reason 4: Never a Dull Moment

From origami roses on my desk to surprise bear hugs there has never been a dull moment working with my brother. Especially when his idea of business casual includes vans with a church shirt (Exhibit C below). I can honestly say that on days when I was bored to tears with the sound of clicking keyboards, I looked forward to my brother’s chuckles and laughy taffy jokes.