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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To cry on the last day of a long term job?

21 replies

mrlistersgelfbride · 15/09/2023 23:10

I left my job today, I've been there for just over 10 years. I've always loved it and the people there and was given many opportunities.
I'm leaving due to the long commute/my child and receiving a new job opportunity I didn't want to turn down.
I have always been an emotional person and a cryer, and had warned people jokingly that I'd be a mess on the last day.
My boss has been a great friend to me, the job has always been a safe happy place throughout lots of difficult times in my life, I've grown up there.
I just couldn't hold it together today. I was crying on and off for most of the day. I tried but I couldn't help it. I did have some good chats with people and manage to do what I needed to. But I will miss it a lot. I live 30 miles away so it's unlikely I'll be able to see my colleagues again.
We have lots of 20-25 year old students in the office at the moment and they looked at me like I was insane. I think some were glad to see the back of me at the end of the day.
Was I BU to be so upset? Would anyone else be?

OP posts:
HenryCavillsWife · 15/09/2023 23:12

Ignore the bemused youngsters. I’d have cried too. I hope your new job is equally lovely!

Original poster
mrlistersgelfbride · 15/09/2023 23:13

@HenryCavillsWife Aw thank you! 😊

OP posts:
LadyatLady82 · 15/09/2023 23:14

Awwh of course not! I would have cried!

Nyland · 15/09/2023 23:15

I haven't ever managed to leave a job without sobbing. It's not unusual for people to cry when they leave where I work now, so it's not just me!

It sounds like your work has been a lovely, supportive place over the past 10 years. No wonder that you were upset.

herbygarden · 15/09/2023 23:15

I think it's a lovely sign of 10 years of happiness in your workplace! Time well spent. I think I would have cried too if I'd been lucky enough to love a job that much!

NCforthis1749027104 · 15/09/2023 23:15

YANBU OP!
I'm currently in the same company I got my first job in, several 'jobs' but worked for the same boss for 5+ years. Got promoted, met my husband here, happy memories. Love the team. And as you said 'grew up' here.
I hope to stay here a few more years but in this day and age leaving is inevitable and I'll probably cry too.
Good luck in your new role.

JaxiiTaxii · 15/09/2023 23:21

It's been a huge part of your life for 10 years.

I think it's lovely that you're sad to be going, rather than being relieved.

Who cares what the stone cold, super cool kids think? They haven't had a job for 10 years, let alone the same one. Let their eyes roll & let your feelings flow. You'll probably never see them again.

TheDaphne · 15/09/2023 23:32

I think you should grab one of the 20 year olds, howl loudly on his/her shoulder about how heartbroken you are, then blow your nose on their sleeve and say thank you for the support.

Original poster
mrlistersgelfbride · 15/09/2023 23:36

@TheDaphne 🤣 Are you taking the mick out of me or of them?

OP posts:
Original poster
mrlistersgelfbride · 15/09/2023 23:37

Thanks everyone.

@JaxiiTaxii Let my feelings flow ...that's exactly what I did ! 🙈

OP posts:
Fairydustxox · 16/09/2023 08:23

I cried on my last day after 10 years, I was still sobbing a good 2 hours after id got home too! Everyone was saying how mad I am and how much they'd love to be leaving. I left my new job after a year and ended up going back 😆 just left again after a job I'd wanted a long time came up and I wasn't a bit bothered about leaving this time around 😅

Original poster
mrlistersgelfbride · 16/09/2023 12:55

@Fairydustxox Thanks for posting, you sound similar to me I can see this happening! Hope your new job goes well.

OP posts:
MimiGC · 16/09/2023 14:55

Of course it's fine to cry when you leave work. My problem is that I cannot control my crying and when I feel emotional there is absolutely nothing I can do to stop it. So I have cried when other people have left work and I feel terribly embarrassed about that.

MasterBeth · 16/09/2023 14:58

I live 30 miles away so it's unlikely I'll be able to see my colleagues again

Why?

Have you never travelled 30 miles to meet up with anyone before?

Cowlover89 · 16/09/2023 15:16

YANBU X

Mercurial123 · 16/09/2023 15:24

If they are such good friends, surely you would travel 30 MINUTES to meet up? You write as if you're moving to Australia.

Mercurial123 · 16/09/2023 15:24

Sorry MILES not minutes.

WellDuh · 16/09/2023 15:45

I cried when I left a previous job of 8 years! Also cried more recently when I accepted a new job (been in current place 8.5 years). I had second thoughts and rejected it so still in same place but was upset at the thought of moving on. You get attached to people, the job itself....and the change can be scarey!

Poblano · 16/09/2023 15:50

I left a company after just under 10 years earlier this year and cried on my last day. I moved because I'd outgrown the role, but still loved the company and the people. It must be so much easier to move because you hate a job!

CaroleSP · 16/09/2023 22:26

I retired recently after almost 30 years in the same place (different jobs but same department) and I cried even though I'm coming back 3 days a week! Think it's because my boss was saying such nice things about me.
YANBU just a normal human! Good luck with the new job x

Starlightstarbright2 · 16/09/2023 22:47

If it makes you feel any better I cried leaving a job I had done for 6 months .. I loved the job but actually my new job I still see the same people although don’t work with them 🤣

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