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Retirement etiquette

1 reply

Naiveinthesematters · 15/08/2026 07:00

Hello, I am retiring just before the bank holiday after a shortish time (four years) in an office role.

Due to holidays there will be very few people around on my last day. I know I’d be super anxious about a big fuss, so chose this date with that in mind.

We will have a little company paid afternoon send off of probably about 8 people that I work closest with.

Obviously i will thank people for coming and rustle up a couple of anecdotes but is there any other expectation on me? I have discreetly given a couple of particularly close colleagues, who will be away, silly token gifts as they kindly took me out to celebrate separately.

I am ND and don’t really know the etiquette and now getting a bit stressed.

OP posts:
HappiestSleeping · 15/08/2026 07:08

Congratulations on reaching retirement. I think the temptation to run around the car park with your shirt pulled over your head because you don't have to go to work any more will be high 😜

Seriously, I don't think there is any expectation. I think your plan of having a few anecdotes is good, but I don't think you'll be expected to make any huge speech or anything.

Your direct manager should say a few words too.

Just enjoy the day, and then make the most of your retirement.

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