Celebrating Departures in Work
Departures in Work
When an employee leaves a company, it’s often seen as a loss - a moment marked more by what’s left behind than by what lies ahead. Yet, departures are as much a part of professional life as arrivals. What if we chose to view these farewells not as losses, but as opportunities for growth and celebration?
The Stigma Around Departures:
Departures in the workplace are often enveloped in an aura of secrecy or tinged with sadness. They tend to be discreet, hastily managed, or in some cases, even met with disapproval. During my tenure with the company, which navigated through turbulent financial waters, I witnessed a wide array of departures. This period was marked by an unexpected jolt when a significant portion of our team was enticed away by emerging local digital banks.
In this environment of frequent transitions, I observed diverse departure scenarios. Some colleagues kept their plans under wraps, not revealing their intentions until the final moment. Others chose to resign without disclosing their future endeavors, perhaps due to a mix of professional caution and personal choice. Then some openly shared their experiences and future plans, embracing their departure as a new chapter.
Celebrating Departures
In an intriguing turn of events, we recently found ourselves in a restaurant, not for a typical team lunch, but to celebrate the departure of one of our senior DevOps engineers. His contribution was immense; he had been a cornerstone in our data engineering journey, constantly pushing and guiding us toward new heights. This gathering turned out to be more than just a farewell; it was a moment of revelation and transformation.
Amidst the soothing aroma of Adani tea (one of my favourites!) and shared laughter, we seized the opportunity to dive deep into his experiences. We asked him to encapsulate his entire journey at the company in a few sentences, to reflect on what he might change, and to identify the practices we should continue. His responses were not just answers, but invaluable takeaways that provided us with a window into his wisdom and experience.
This experience made me ponder - why can’t this be the norm? Why do we often resort to a bitter sentiment when someone decides to move on? Why can’t we, instead, celebrate these transitions as the beginning of a new chapter for them?
Self Reflection
It's important to recognize that celebrating departures isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. Certainly, there are scenarios where an individual's departure might have left a challenging or even disruptive impact at work. These situations require a different kind of reflection and handling. However, the core of my message lies in the value of connections formed between people, which often become harder to establish and maintain as time progresses.
The essence of this perspective is rooted in the understanding that colleagues can transition into lasting friendships. Even after they've moved on from the organization, the bonds we've forged don't have to dissolve. There's always an opportunity to reconnect, to meet over a casual cup of coffee, or even just a quick catch-up call to exchange ideas, experiences, and personal growth stories.
Such interactions can be enriching and heartwarming, reminding us that our professional journey isn’t just a solitary path but one that is illuminated by the friendships we cultivate along the way. These relationships, built on mutual respect and shared experiences, transform our professional network into a supportive community.
In embracing this mindset, we open ourselves to a more fulfilling professional life, where departures are not merely endings but transitions that can lead to new beginnings and opportunities for both personal and professional growth. It's about cherishing the journey, the learnings, and the friendships that continue to thrive beyond the confines of our immediate work environment.
Closing
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to several individuals who have departed from the company but have significantly impacted my career.
❀ Special thanks to Pavi, Wai Kiat, Caleb, David, Min Hao, YC, Wei Keng, and Ghanil. ❀