Tomorrow is my last day. I am retiring. I have worked there 38 years. We’ve had four different pharmacies and I had 4 different directors. Several coworkers died, many, many, many fabulous coworkers/friends have come and gone. I have seen sooooooooooo many changes. I think back to my first days and weeks there (when I met my bestie, we’re still besties) and I was so young. I was single! And thin! And young! And energetic! Well, point made, I hope…this is really tough for me. I had to say good-bye to several today who won’t be there tomorrow and I cannot utter the words “I am going to miss you so much” without breaking into sobs!!! Our buyer warned everyone to wear waterproof clothing tomorrow, LOL. How embarrassing. I can’t. I simply can’t say those words without crying. This is the right thing and it makes me happy but damn, I really am going to miss my “pharmacy family”.
Thanks for letting me share here.
And yes, I will be able to drop in on them now and again to say hello but as we all know, it’s never the same.
{{{ hugs }}}
Best wishes for you. It is very hard knowing that things won’t be the same again.
Congratulations, very jealous.
You can go visit. Enjoy your retirement. Spend more time on CC.
Enjoy your retirement. You worked for many years. Now it’s time to do what you want to do. I do understand the sense of loss of part of you though. I hope you can get together with the people who work there once you’ve retired.
Congratulations!
You have been working for so many years and you deserve to be retired.
Just like oldfort, I am jealous!
Congrats Va. Are you going to continue to live around there or move? I ask because we have several colleagues who wound up and then come needling us by dropping in their new positions - professional grand parents, professional vacationers, etc., so they didn’t separate and completely disconnect.
Congratulations, and I completely understand your sadness. I hope you have lots of fun hobbies and activities planned.
Retirement takes a while getting used to. Don’t be disappointed if after a few months you decide to change direction. By that I mean, discover new hobbies and activities.
Congratulations from a fellow pharmacist. So very happy for you. So many changes you’ve seen I’m happy you don’t have to worry about career changes with all the new pharmacy schools. Enjoy and thank you for contributing to our profession:)
A big congratulations!!!
Does this mean you’ll have more time to waste w us on CC? 
Besides congrats, just one important thing.
It’s ok to cry. Sob. It means the job and the people were/are important to you. No need to be embarrassed or apologize. Do bring a wad of kleenex in your pocket though!!!
Congrats, it’s an important milestone. My husband just filed his retirement paper this week. It was a relief to him. His boss has been very nice to him. It’s hard to leave this place. I almost did today but I got the email late, where to file for the HR, so I may have to wait for next week.
Congratulations!!! You are going to love retirement!!’
I have seen you signaling your retirement for some time. I hope it’s wonderful in every way! Embrace the emotion that tomorrow brings. Your friends are signaling that you are cherished.
Thank you everyone. You are very nice and supportive.
@VaBluebird - do you have to utter those words? Just hope you soak it up and enjoy it. Get together with the retirees too. I’m less than 5 months behind you.
Congrats!!! A new chapter in your life is about to begin!
" And yes, I will be able to drop in on them now and again to say hello but as we all know, it’s never the same."
True, never the same…however, probably better. You will be able to drop by and chat, fit and rested, able to talk about your next adventure. They will be scurrying around doing work, being jealous of your relaxing and enjoyable lifestyle. It won’t be the same…much better!
Congratulations…
I just know that when retired colleagues come back to visit, they look relaxed and rested - it’s your turn! Congratulations!
Congrats. All retirees I know look younger after they retire.