Last day at work tomorrow...how do I swerve the inevitable hugs?

[McDougal]

I'm not a hugger. Never have been and never will be. I'm leaving work for a new job tomorrow and I'm preparing myself for the inevitable hugs at the end of the day when I'm escaping leaving.

Any ideas on how I politely avoid the hugs? I thought I'd given everyone a good idea that I'm not the greatest fan of physical contact but couldn't escape a hugger today. Help me!

Call in sick.

Send a goodbye email, say in it that you are going to sneak out to avoid crying. Then run!

As each person comes up to you say “I’ve still got a bit to do here, I’m not leaving just yet, I’ll see you before I go”

That way, they give you their best and leave, you say your goodbyes but you don’t get hugged and can just walk out later

I'm liking these ideas however I'm leaving early to use up some extra hours I'd worked so it'd have to be a pretty stealthy get away.

I'd ring in sick if it wasn't for the deliciousness of the goodies on offer. I'm not passing free food up for anyone

You say 'please don't hug me cos you'll make me cry and I can't wait to get away from you lot I'm going to miss you all so much but we'll never keep in touch

That sounds very convincing, Live, but I think they might've clicked that I'm not the crying type. It's certainly worth a try though!

Clutch a tissue to your nose and tell everyone you can feel a cold coming on and you don’t want to pass it on to anyone

@McDougal - hi - just wondering how your last day was? Did you avoid all the hugging ?

Just the one hug Live . I couldn't swerve that one but was quite vocal about my dislike of physical contact so think everyone else cottoned on thankfully!

Not too bad then!.
Wishing you all the best with your new job. Just tell your new colleagues you have haphephobia (fear of being touched) - yay, no more hugs

Sit down tight up against your desk or pack up early and breezily walk out saying "lovely to worked with you, have a good weekend and see you soon" and you're out of the door.

Good luck in your new job.

I am leaving my current main job in 10 weeks... I am a hugger but not with this lot. I genuinely like them & will miss them but I hate anyone making a fuss over me & it's just not a huggy environment. My boss is very extroverted & will probably plot something... I suppose a bit of fuss without hugs would be ok as long as the hug line doesn't get crossed. yirk.

Now that is a plan Live! Definitely noted for Monday

Thanks for the well wishes for my new job too.

Lljkk fingers crossed for a swift, hug-free exit! Only thing I would say is try not to give them the opportunity to plot...a last minute appointment that you have to dash out to?