How long does it take to get over it?

nurz2be · Aug 31, 2007

Yesterday was my last day at my job (my home), which I was at for 18 years. It was so hard. Everyone was crying when I left. I went to sleep crying last night. I woke up crying this morning. I don't get it. Why am I so upset, and how long will this feeling last?
I am starting a new job next week. I am trying to look forward to that, but I am just sick over this. Someone help me!!

I went through this, my job was for 14 years, and my heart literally ached. My sadness I realized as time passed was that those people were my family for all those years...I saw their kids grow up, people get married, promotions, birthdays...It was seriously like a mass death.

When I started to "feel better" was when I got my first phone call, from a former worker, I began realizing I wasn't going to be forgotten and I wasn't alone in feeling the sorrow I felt. When I started my new job and began again to build new "family members" the pain eased and was replaced with new feelings of joy.

One thing I would suggest is don't be afraid to get close to those new people who are entering your life. It is easy to think of not getting close to keep from having to have the gut wrench feeling away, but those new relationships are the foundation of those pains going away.

Have fun at your new job..... keep in touch with your past colleagues and remember.... You are never too far away from home..

MarySunshine · Aug 31, 2007

I just quit a job after two years and I was also crying and missing everyone terribly. I can't imagine how you felt after 18 years. Wishing you the best in your new endeavor -- it's a brave step to take! Also, please do keep in touch with your old co-workers. Best wishes.

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Aug 31, 2007

It only lasted until I got out the door

then I hit that big DELETE button of life

I love the DELETE button

nursemike, ASN, RN · Aug 31, 2007

My father tells me that when he was in the service, he and most of the guys he knew went through a period of homesickness for Basic Training--one of the most miserable experiences of his then-young life. I have heard of people who were homesick after getting out of jail.

There is a part of all of us that doesn't like change--even change for the better.

"Getting on with life" seems to be the sovereign cure for just about every type of loss, and I'm sure this will prove to be the case for you.

Hopefully, the pressure, stress, frustration, fear, and fun of starting a new job will leave you just enough time to remember fondly the good times you had in your old job, and those memories will remind you that there will be good times ahead in your new one. Best of luck.