Last Day at Work

Last Day At Work

Today was my last day. I left my job to continue my bachelor’s degree.

After completing my 12th grade, I decided to join a job instead of immediately pursuing higher studies. I got a position in a company at a lower level since I didn’t have any experience or higher qualifications. I worked hard, and after a year, I was given the opportunity to work as a junior receptionist and admin.

I worked there for over a year, but somewhere deep inside, I knew this wasn’t where my journey was meant to end. I had grown, yes — but I wanted more. I wanted to study again, to chase the dreams I had once put on hold. So, I sat down with my family and shared what was in my heart. Thankfully, they understood. They supported me.

With that, I made one of the hardest decisions — I chose to resign. I let my seniors know, and slowly, I shared the news with everyone — from my closest colleagues to the juniors I had guided and the staff I saw every day. One by one, they wished me well. Many said, “If you ever need anything, we’re always here for you.” And in those moments, I felt nothing but gratitude.

Among all the people I worked with, there was one person who held a special place in my heart — someone I came to see like a sister. We talked often, and with her, conversations felt easy, honest, and safe. She had this way of making people feel seen.

On my last day, something inside me felt heavy. It wasn’t just about leaving the job or the office walls I had grown used to over two years — I was walking away from someone who had come to feel like family. And that made saying goodbye even harder.

When I told her I was leaving the company, she was shocked and asked, “Why?”
I told her, “For my higher studies.”
She smiled and said, “Oh really? That’s such a nice idea — you’ve made the right decision. It’s important for your future.”

A few hours later, she came to me with a carry bag.
“What’s this?” I asked.
She smiled and said, “A gift for you.”
I was surprised. “What’s in the gift?”
She said, “Check it yourself.”

Inside the bag, there was a red T-shirt and a watch. She told me to try it on to see if it fit. I went to the washroom, put it on, and it fit me perfectly. I loved the colour and the design. When I came back, I told her, “It fits perfectly! How did you know my size?”
She smiled and said, “I just guessed.”

Then she said something that made me pause: “Give me 10 rupees for this gift.”
I was confused at first. Maybe it was a cultural belief — that giving something without receiving even a small amount in return isn’t good for the giver or the receiver.

I didn’t have any cash at that moment, so I tried to pay online, but she said, “No — cash only.”
I told her I’d give it later.

During lunch, I brought her the 10-rupee note she had asked for — and with it, I added something more: a small, worn 2-rupee note I had been carrying for the past 11 years. I had found it on the road one day while walking home from school, and for some reason, I’d kept it all those years. Maybe it was luck… or maybe just a quiet reminder of where I started.

Later, when it was finally time to leave, she walked over and held out her hand for a handshake. In that quiet moment, I felt a lump in my throat. I’ve never felt so emotional — it wasn’t just a handshake, it was a goodbye filled with care. I didn’t want to let go… but time, as always, keeps moving forward.

She said, “Bye. Best of luck for your bright future.”

I said goodbye to everyone one last time… and I walked out of the office.