Leaving day! Should I have asked for a do?

[BearAndNullPonts]

I retire today!

I've been here 27 years. I was asked if I "wanted a fuss". And put like that I said no thanks. Now it's looking like there isn't even a card and collection and I'm feeling a bit unloved and unappreciated. I've trained most of these people - many of whom are now more senior than me.

So, as I go out with a damp squib, should have asked for a leaving do?

Invite everyone to the pub after work. No need to wait for anyone to sort it for you.

I know what you mean, though! When we had our 10th Wedding Anniversary, DH said we're not doing anything special, are we? I said no......then the day rolled around, and I got NOTHING, not a card, not a mention. Of course, when I said nothing special, I hadn't realised he took that to mean....NOTHING.

I can't do that - I have school age kids with commitments in the evening. I don't know why I thought there'd still be flowers and a card in the office - but there isn't. We always do such things at 10:30am due to office things / before people head out.

It feels odd! Silly me.

Exactly @CointreauVersial !

There absolutely should have been OP! I would also take “no fuss” to mean “just a card and flowers”.

Oh thats just pants OP, of course there should be flowers and a card, making a fuss means speeches and possibly a buffet. Well they sound like ungrateful bastards tbh, and it just proves retiring is the right decision.

Sod them, walk out with your head held high, not a backward glance, and have a brilliant, fulfilling and wonderful retirement. You deserve it.

@BearAndNullPonts it doesn’t matter. The pain will fade. Focus on your retirement and plans ahead.

congratulations 🎉🥂

I would interpret ‘no fuss’ as nothing.

But would have had a card signed by everyone and a collection ready to check on the day if you wanted it given to you quietly or with a bit of a gathering.

I agree it is a crap way to leave after all that time though.

How did it feel not being a slave to the alarm clock today????

I think that is really rough .Hope you don’t take it to heart - what a shame though - you deserve better x

That sucks op.

I retired after 20 years in the same NHS department, everyone else ever had had a lunchtime presentation with snacks supplied and a consultant making a nice speech.
No.
Got none of that.
Was asked to pop in a week later to pick up a couple of gifts.
My best gift was leaving the place.

Aw, I’m sorry you’re disappointed op.

Just from another perspective, I have heard of employment tribunals now where people have given birthday cards and ‘fuss’ to people who have asked for no fuss. I think now a lot of workplaces are being cautious of not overstepping into people personally, for fear that it can be interpreted in the wrong way.

I also worked for NHS in same dept for 23years and was the person who organised all leaving do"s. So when I was asked if I wanted a do, I said yes and the more fuss the better. I knew they were hoping I'd say No, as it meant one of the senior managers would actually have to plan and organise something 😀