Work colleague is leaving

[Headlessbond]

And I am so upset. I’ve been working with them for 15 years. I don’t really enjoy my job but my work colleagues make it bearable.
I don’t know what I’m upset about really… I don’t like change. Maybe being left behind?
i tried to get a new job twice last year but being part time it makes it hard so I decided to stop looking. We also work in a niche market so worried that I’ll be stuck. I wish I jumped ship before they did. I thought they’d be here until they retired so I am just shocked by it all.

Sympathy. Some us us, me included, are just done. They didn’t want to see their final years out, they found something better or called it a day.

you either suck it up or look for your next step. I was 24 hours, bloody hell I’m delighted to have gone with voluntary redundancy. I love my former colleagues but I had to put myself at number one.

I’ve just had a big cry. This isn’t normal is it?

I don't know that it isn't normal. My closest colleague I love like a brother, and I would be utterly lost if he left. We are very close and my life at work would be much less enjoyable and meaningful without him. My relationships at work mean an awful awful lot to me.

I might not be normal either but I completely empathise! We spend so much of our time with work colleagues, often tackling difficult situations, they can become like family in a way. Then when they leave unexpectedly it can feel like an abandonment.