Upset about work friend leaving

[Sweetchocolatecandy]

This sounds so stupid but I started a new job in January and became really good friends with our work’s (male) cleaner who sadly left today. He was the only person who made me feel welcome and took the time to talk to me when I was sat by myself on my breaks and lunches. There were absolutely no romantic feelings whatsoever as he is a lot older than me and we are both married but he was just a lovely, friendly person who I feel so sad that I’m most definitely never going to see again as he does not have social media and it would have been weird swapping numbers.

I’m literally sitting here almost crying thinking about it and I feel so silly. Has anyone else felt like this about a work friend leaving?

You're not on your own. I cried buckets when one of my colleagues left, it can be very upsetting, and totally normal.

I cried today when somebody who I had never even met left work. We work remotely. He was lovely to work with in an otherwise unfriendly bunch of colleagues.

I'm dreading one of my colleagues leaving. I probably won't see him again as he's moving away.

Now who am I supposed to pun and banter and burst into random song with?

I was shocked at how emotional I felt today.

I think we underestimate the impact our work colleagues can have on our lives, especially given the amount of time we spend with them.

It's not stupid at all. I still really miss my work mate who left last year. Luckily her replacement is lovely too, but it's not the same.

I think it’s very upsetting when somebody you work with that you like leaves. My colleague of 15 years left this week, we’re close professionally and as a manager they’ve championed me in my career and supported me through lots of life events. I wish them well but it’s made me sad and I’ve also had a few tears this week so you’re not alone OP, let’s both have a glass of wine!

When I retired during lockdown, I went in one day to clear my desk. Office was almost deserted. Chatted to a lab tech just fine, but when the cleaner spotted me just before I went out the door I was done for - we were both in tears!
Let's all raise a glass to absent friends!

I think it’s understandable to feel that way. I’m often at work for 12-14 hours a day, then home for 7-8h sleep and ‘actually’ there for just a few hours each day. I spend a lot more time with my colleagues than I do with any family or housemates. It’s completely normal to get attached to them.