Work Friendship?

[MooM34]

Feeling a bit upset and would appreciate a bit of guidance please. Sorry for the long read!

I left my job a few weeks ago and I’d worked there for a solid amount of time. I was really close to my co-worker who I sat next to - we talked all the time, laughed, shared stories about our lives and I genuinely considered him to be a good friend! Even outside of work we would message about normal things such as football and current affairs. But since I left, nothing. I genuinely miss our daily interactions.

I’ve messaged him twice since we left and he hasn’t replied. Whereas previously he’d have always text back quite quickly it’s turned to silence. I don’t get what changed.

I absolutely won’t message again but I’m feeling quite sad.

I guess I am just feeling hurt that I thought all those years were a genuine friendship but the second I left he ignores me. Makes me feel slightly stupid. I just don’t understand how I got it so wrong!

None of my work friendships have lasted after one of us left, no matter how well we got on. It’s a shame.

Work friendships are based on shared experiences and mutual moans/being in the same space. Life moves on. Looking at my wedding photos, my DH had 2 close work friends and was godfather to one colleague’s dc. We haven’t spoken to them in about 20 years. I think it’s very normal although your colleague seems to have moved on very quickly!

I’m still in touch with 2 colleagues from one workplace from 15 years ago, but it’s pretty superficial, particularly as both went home to their countries.

It’s so sad. I have really close friends from previous jobs who I still speak to many years later, I don’t know why he is just ignoring me.