When Goodbyes Feel Bittersweet: Why Emotion Can Be a Sign of Purpose
“When we care deeply about our work and the people alongside us, goodbyes feel layered.”
Reflecting on past chapters in my career has reminded me how meaningful it is when a goodbye carries emotion. I feel purposeful in my current role and deeply loyal to my team, but recently seeing colleagues depart from my company and looking back at my own previous transitions has helped me appreciate the complexity of endings and the lessons they often bring.
Over the years, I have come to believe that sadness when leaving a job is a good thing. In fact, it may be a sign that the work truly mattered, that the relationships were real, and that we showed up with sincerity and care.
I still remember the first time I submitted a resignation. I was in my fifth year at Boeing and I had been offered an incredible opportunity to become a Director of Financial Reporting, thanks to a colleague from my MBA cohort. It was a career step I simply could not pass up, even though I had always imagined I might retire from Boeing. When I walked into my manager’s office to share the news, tears came immediately. Part of me feared he would be upset that I was leaving. Another part feared that I might be making the wrong choice. I was embarrassed to cry in that moment, but he responded with kindness. He was happy for me, supportive of my next step, and proud of the growth I had worked so hard for. Looking back, those tears were not a sign of regret. They were a reflection of gratitude for the experiences that shaped my early career.
More recently, I watched a colleague navigate her own departure. In the week leading up to her final day, she felt a mix of excitement, disappointment, hope, and deep sadness. There were tears for what she was leaving behind, even as she looked forward to what was next. Seeing her wrestle with those emotions reminded me again that endings are rarely clear-cut. They carry the weight of the relationships we built, the challenges we faced, and the meaning we found along the way.
When we care deeply about our work and the people alongside us, goodbyes feel layered. Even when we are moving toward something wonderful, there is often a quiet grief for what we are stepping away from. I have come to see that as a sign of purpose. It means we were invested. It means we belonged.
Professional purpose is not only about what we accomplish. It is about how we show up, the relationships we build, and the impact we make on the people around us. If a transition feels bittersweet, it is often because the work held real meaning.
This reflection is part of an ongoing series inspired by The Four Facets of Better Living, which shape the foundation of the Resilience for Progress framework: Physical wellness, Personal relationships, Professional purpose, and Prosperity habits. Each plays a role in building a life of balance and fulfillment.
If you are interested in exploring these ideas more deeply or joining the next Resilience for Progress retreat, visit the Contact Me form to express your interest.