Farewell: A Culture I Missed

The office felt like a dull, lifeless place, full of unfulfilled dreams. I had spent years here, with each day blending into the next, repeating the same routine. I always imagined my last day would be something special—an emotional goodbye with lots of good wishes. But instead, it was a quiet and unremarkable departure from a role where I had truly stood out.

There were no cakes, no balloons, and no tearful colleagues saying goodbye. Just the soft rustling of papers, the steady hum of the air conditioner, and the ticking of the clock, counting down the minutes to a freedom I had wanted but now felt with a touch of sadness.

I had hoped for recognition, a promotion that would make me feel like I had really made it in the corporate world. But life had other plans. I was just another employee, easily replaced and soon to be forgotten. This is not about just one employer I am talking about, most of them. Probably I was not a YES MAN. Probably I was more than being assertive. Probably I didn't want to continue to be taken on for a ride forever. Probably I was not great at keeping bosses happy. Probably, I stood strongly for my team and people. Probably because I didn't give up until a thing got done. Probabilities and reasons could be many, maybe I was destined to create something that was not there; a culture.

And so, in the quietness of my farewell, a new determination grew. I didn’t want to be limited by the expectations of this corporate environment. I dreamed of creating a place where people’s dreams were supported, where everyone’s talents were appreciated, and where each person felt truly valued. A place where farewells weren’t just goodbyes, but happy transitions, where the company felt like a family, and everyone felt they belonged.

The grand farewell I had imagined didn’t happen, but a new and more important dream began to form. I wanted to build a workplace where every employee would get the kind of goodbye I had always hoped for. A place where people didn’t just work—they thrived. Where they left feeling grateful and inspired.

As I walked out of the office for the last time, the weight of the past started to fade away. The future, unknown but full of possibilities, stretched out in front of me. It was time to start a new chapter where I would take control and create something that would uplift and inspire others.

The dream of a perfect farewell might not have come true, but the vision of creating a place where such farewells were normal became a strong desire in my heart. And that, I realized, was a far more meaningful goal.

We at Skillkrafter Academy are not just building a brand, we are building a culture.?

[Ajit Panicker] Life Skills Facilitator | L&D Architect | Motivational Speaker | Author of 'BOSSOLOGY: HOW TO MANAGE YOUR BOSS?' | Transformation Coach | Founder – The SkillKrafter Academy | Books on Amazon