Working in HR is like being in a secret club—complete with cryptic acronyms, emotional landmines, and the uncanny ability to detect drama before it happens. While others think HR is all about paperwork and parties, here are five things only fellow HR pros really get:

1. The “Got a Minute?” Panic Response

You know that moment when someone swings by your desk (or pings you on Slack) with “Got a minute?”—and your soul momentarily leaves your body? Because you know it’s never just a minute. It’s likely a policy violation, a resignation, or someone crying in a storage closet. Again.

2. Being the Keeper of Secrets

You’ve got more confidential information than a high-level government agent. You know who’s being let go, who’s under investigation, and who cried during their performance review—and you can’t tell a soul. Even your dog looks suspicious.

3. The Myth of “Neutrality”

People expect you to be neutral, yet still somehow take their side. It’s a delicate dance: nod empathetically, give legally sound advice, and say “I hear you” without making promises. Meanwhile, you’re silently wondering how humans function outside of sitcoms.

4. The Annual Policy Rollout Dread

You’ve spent weeks crafting the perfect handbook update. You’ve made it clear, concise, and even friendly. But when you send it out? Crickets. Until someone breaks a rule and says, “Wait, there’s a policy about that?”

5. Living in the HR Twilight Zone

You're the only one who sees both the chaos behind the scenes and the LinkedIn-ready company culture posts. You manage to keep the wheels turning, the people (mostly) sane, and the compliance box checked—while secretly dreaming of a silent retreat.

HR isn’t for the faint of heart—but luckily, we’ve got each other. And chocolate.