What is the celebration for?

leaving a company and celebrating - celebrations after quitting
@bounce58 (17387)
Canada
September 10, 2010 3:45pm CST
Today, I’ve been invited to a get-together or celebration after work by a colleague. He already quit and today is his last day. Although some other people who quit just leave quietly, this practice of ‘celebrating’ has become common for others. I am not against having fun and celebrating, but if I really think about it, I don’t get what the celebration is for. Is it a happy time because a problematic employee is finally leaving? Then I don’t think he should be the one calling for the celebration. Are the others left behind celebrating because they are getting extra workload to compensate for the one leaving? I don’t think so. Is it to celebrate the fact that there is something else out there if you really looked for it? I don’t know. Am I just green with envy because he found something better than what we have?
2 people like this
6 responses
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
13 Sep 10
I think that there are a variety of reasons that there will be a celebration after a person terminates their employment at a place. First of all, it gives the people that worked with that person the opportunity to say bye to those co-workers that they were close to. And, in the event that they are leaving the job for another job, it is also a way to celebrate the fact that they are able to move forward in their lives and they will have more success in their life.
1 person likes this
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
13 Sep 10
Yes, a celebration as they are able to move forward in their lives. How about us that are left? Specially me? When can I celebrate for moving forward? Oopps! I am ranting at you... I think I am just really jealous. I should find something else too.
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
10 Sep 10
It's for those people who liked the person to say goodbye.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
12 Sep 10
Hi dawn. I get that. It's just for the people left behind (me). What are we supposed to feel? I guess we should be happy for him that he found something else. What about us (me)?
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
13 Sep 10
I figure if you didn't like or respect the person, you just don't go...
• United States
12 Sep 10
At my work we call it what it is , a farewell party. It is our way of saying We Will miss you And we wish you luck with the next step. The last Big party we had to say goodbye to 4 people. There were speeches and great food and well wishes and hugs. It was like the family saying good bye to a college bound child! But I cam see if the a$$hole was one because he/she Never wanted to be there and then finally they get a gig they Really love , I cam see having a celebration. A " Take This Job And Shove It1 I'm free! Party!"
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
12 Sep 10
Your latter comment is more like it Sarah! I could see some people who would be like that. And it would be great if they could have their supervisor or manager in the party. They're thinking, you wouldn't be able to torment me anymore, because I found something better!
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
28 Sep 10
I think it's just an excuse to goof off for a little while at work, it helps the other person who's last day it is too because they really didn't want to do the workload they had to do that day, so it gets passed on to someone the next work day... It's probably a celebration for all, for those other slackers who aren't leaving but want to slack, for the boss whose finally getting rid of one slacker, and for the slacker themselves who are leaving and want gifts, money and fame for that one day + an excuse not to work the last day.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
28 Sep 10
Funny that you mention about the slackers that go to these celebrations (including me)! when I don't have anything going at work, I really appreciate getting out of the office before lunch time, and coming back way after lunch time. It helps speed up an otherwise boring day.
@RangaGirl (103)
• Australia
12 Sep 10
While he may not have liked the job, he probably liked and got along with some of his colleagues. It is his chance to have a last laugh and get-together with his work friends. People who liked him will attend to say goodbye and, perhaps others who thought he was a 'problematic employee' will attend to rejoice. :-)
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
12 Sep 10
I see what you're saying RangaGirl. Maybe it's for him to cram up a few more good memories so that he would remember his past work more fondly. And maybe even have something nice to think of for the ones that thought he was problematic. Thanks.
• Indonesia
21 Sep 10
I assumed there are two main goals the celebration; first one is the negative and second is positive one.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
21 Sep 10
Hello sijabatnaburjut! You're sure right about that! But I figure that the one leaving doesn't know about the negative goal. Thanks, and welcome to myLot!