Last day at work tomorrow - dreading it

[lastdayatwork]

It's my last day at work tomorrow. I'm really dreading it; I hate attention and have already hated having to tell people I'm leaving. We are a close team who have been through a lot together, yet I am dreading all of the awkward good byes and the drinks planned for Saturday night.

I have hated when other people have left too as I just hate the awkward good byes and sentiments. I don't know why, I think I'm just uncomfortable about the emotional aspect.

Does anyone have any advice that doesn't involve calling in sick or hiding in the loos at 5:25pm to avoid the good byes (!)

I'm sure it will be fine. It's my first time ever leaving a job so just not really sure what to expect.

Grit your teeth. Paste on a smile.
Count down the hours.

I'm exactly the same!!
When I left for maternity I told my best friend at work I don't want a crowd around my desk, no balloons, nothing.
Thankfully she listened, gave me my gifts on the morning and I sent an email around thanking people and for letting me slip away quietly!
It worked so maybe mention it to someone if you don't want a crowd!

OP just tell them you don’t want any fuss at all, no leaving drinks or speeches etc as it’s just not ‘you’. They’ll be fine.

I’ve noticed at work people who don’t want any fuss have to actually say this (as the working assumption is people don’t mind!). But then it’s always respected.

How did it go op?!

When I left (retired), my manager asked if I was OK with a "surprise" gathering (over Zoom, as it was during lockdown!). It was fine. I was never one for big drinking nights, so that's just never happened thank you Covid . I do think it's only fair that the leaver gets some say in advance about how their leaving is handled. If you want it low-key that's how it should be.

Years ago a retiree just couldn't face it and just didn't return after lunch on her last day. We were all worried about her.