Archive · 13 Aug 2025
Navigating Workplace Feelings When a Co-worker Moves On
Imagine you like a friend at work, and they're leaving their job.
It's normal to feel sad.
A coach says it's okay to miss them, but you're still complete without them.
Think about what you want: a fun friendship or more?
If they don't feel the same, it's fine to feel sad, but remember to focus on yourself and your other friends.
You can talk to them one last time if you need to feel better, but always put your own feelings first.
A person sought advice from a relationship coach about handling feelings for a co-worker.
The co-worker is leaving their shared job, causing the person to feel sad.
The coach suggests it's okay to feel sad, but not to feel incomplete without the co-worker.
The advice encourages reflecting on what is truly desired from the relationship.
The article recommends nurturing friendships and seeking closure if needed.
- Who
- Anonymous person seeking advice, relationship coach Kanchan Rai.
- What
- Advice on handling feelings for a departing coworker.
- When
- Unspecified, but when the coworker is leaving.
- Where
- Unspecified.
- Why
- To cope with the sadness and uncertainty about a workplace relationship.
Unrequited Feelings
Acceptance
Emotional Reaction
Unrequited Feelings
Experiencing sadness and longing due to the departure of a coworker for whom feelings have developed.
Acceptance
Feeling okay as the coworker is leaving soon, accepting the situation.
- Expert
- Kanchan Rai, relationship coach
- Situation
- Co-worker leaving job
- Emotion
- Sadness
- Advice
- Accept feelings, focus on self