Leaving Loudly, Crying Quietly

 

Today was my last day at work. After a week and a half on sick leave, I had to go in to hand over my equipment and do the dreaded exit interview. And let me tell you, I did not hold back.
I said everything I needed to say. The organisation does important work, no doubt about that, but things need to change. The frontline staff turnover is wild. I lasted two and a half months, and I’m not exactly allergic to hard work. But for the pay? It was next-level impossible. Hopefully they’ll take the feedback on board before hiring someone else. Everyone deserves a job that doesn’t chew them up and spit them out, preferably one with a bit of work/life balance.
After the interview, I just wanted to sneak out. I hate goodbyes. But of course, when I went to hand in my equipment, everyone was in the office. Worst-case scenario for my anxiety. I felt ambushed… until I saw the flowers. Two bunches. And a card. Cue the tears.
I didn’t cry when I left my last job after nearly three years, but this one? Two and a half months and I’m sobbing. I’m blaming hormones and the sheer emotional whiplash of it all. Maybe it was relief. Maybe it was the kindness I didn’t expect. Maybe it was just… a lot.
They said lovely things. Made me feel a bit guilty for going full truth-mode in the exit interview. But no regrets. I chose honesty. I chose me. I chose sanity.
No looking back now.