diff --git a/adapters/vim/collab.vim b/adapters/vim/collab.vim
index a62d013..a61292f 100644
--- a/adapters/vim/collab.vim
+++ b/adapters/vim/collab.vim
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ vim9script
 # collab.vim - collaborative editing adapter for collabd
 # requires: bun, collabd daemon running
 
-var bridge_job: job
+var bridge_job: job = null_job
 var bridge_channel: channel
 var connected = false
 var ready = false