It's easy to be cavalier about saying farewell to people, especially to those with whom you've worked with who are leaving. A couple years ago I left an organization I'd been with for 16 years. I really loved the people I worked with, and they had a big party for me when I left, inviting many people from our office of 120 people and a couple dozen more from throughout the buidling. There were tears shed and memories relived. I'd known many attendees for 16 years and longer.

Tomorrow is my last day at a company I've worked at for about a year. There was a little something said at our staff meeting, but it would have been nice to have a bit more fanfare.

There are good good-byes and bad good-byes. I'm sure I'll have some good good-byes with my co-workers. I've really loved and enjoyed getting to know them. But I won't miss the company.

I'm finding I'm having to haggle over compensation due me, but more than that I'm leaving feeling disrespected and unappreciated for all I've accomplished. That's what a bad good-bye feels like.

Former co-workers can be a great source of networking as you move or they move on. So, I encourage you to make the good-byes. While you're at it, make the new people coming in feel welcomed.