Breaking Up is Hard to Do…

It happens in every job, usually in January and June, sometimes at random times throughout the year, but it always happens. I mentioned in my last post that it’s hard not to develop a friendship with coworkers and sometimes it’s better that way because all good things come to an end. You know what I’m talking about, the departing of a coworker at your company.

Whether it’s your partner in crime, your mentor, or someone you absolutely hated and wanted to push them out the door, there is now a void in the atmosphere every day. That last two weeks with them can be an emotional time, especially if you have worked with someone for more than a year or they were your neighbor. Do you talk about it? Do you take offense to it? How is one supposed to cope with this?

Until recently, I thought when certain coworkers left it was the end of the world. How was I going to keep on going without my work spouse? I mean, sitting next to someone for over a year can develops into a great relationship. When it was her time though, I didn’t know how to react, so I ignored it. Said goodbye, so long, farewell, been great playing with you for so long.

Should I have gotten her a card? Flowers? An edible arrangement? I really wasn’t sure how to handle it. I was obviously upset for a while when she was gone, but I still talked to her everyday, she just didn’t sit directly next to me. I guess it kind of works out and all is well, I ultimately realized that it’s okay when people leave, it’s not like they died…or moved to Bali.

So what are your suggestions? Is it kosher to give them a farewell gift? Party? How do you cope with the loss of a coworker?