Work Friends and Why They Disappear

The Emotional Aftermath of Resigning and the Vanishing Bonds

If you’ve ever walked into your boss’s office with your knees shaking, your heart racing, and a cold sweat making you uncomfortable in all the wrong ways, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. The dreaded resignation.

I’m talking about the sleepless nights spent tossing and turning, dreading the next day of work, knowing you need to finally pluck up the courage to mutter the words “I quit.” Or perhaps something slightly more refined, like “I’ve decided to leave for another opportunity,” hoping it sounds professional and not like you’re about to burst into tears. Everyone talks about how difficult and uncomfortable it is to quit a job, but what about the moments that follow you once you have finally done the deed? The things no one prepares you for?

Why Saying Goodbye at Work Sometimes Means Saying Goodbye to Friends

There’s the awkwardness of telling your manager, the side comments from colleagues, and the growing feeling that you’re no longer part of the team. It’s as though you’re being slowly, but surely, edged out of the group that you once hung out with every day – the same people you called your work friends.

Those “work friends” who were always there for lunch breaks, inside jokes, and daily catch-ups suddenly but surly disappear. It doesn’t always happen, of course. If you’re lucky, you might find a few who stick around and stay in touch, riding along with you to your next destination. But for most, the connection fades.

Shared Experience That Fades

And here’s the thing – it’s okay that work friends disappear. It doesn’t make them bad people, nor does it mean there’s something wrong with you. It’s just a natural part of life and the understanding, that sometimes work friendships are often built on the shared experience of being in the same place, facing similar challenges, and having common goals at the same time. When that shared connection is no longer there, the friendship sometimes drifts away.

It can also be hard for those you leave behind. While you’re moving on to the next chapter, they may still be navigating the same challenges, perhaps feeling left behind or even stuck.

Letting Go of the Familiar and Embracing New Beginnings

So, when work friendships start to fade after you leave a job, it’s important to remember that it’s not personal. It’s just part of the journey. Some friendships will remain strong, while others will naturally run their course – and that’s all part of growing and moving forward.

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to take to move on, check out our article How Do You Know When It’s Time to Find a New Job? for additional insights and guidance.