I totally understand. When I retired from my job in Aug. 2011, I had worked with some of my co-workers for over 20 years. Some were social friends as well as work friends. It was very hard to say goodbye. I have stayed in touch with a few, but not all. When we went back to NC for a visit this past August, we arranged to meet our best work friends for lunch, and it was great to catch up, but it's never quite the same as when people see each other day-in, day-out. You really do become like family, and I have almost always had a "best friend" at work -- someone I was really close to -- as well. These friendships tend to endure.

But nothing says it was easy. Tears were definitely shed. Still, I have never looked back and don't miss the workplace or job at all, just the people. Pretty much exactly what I expected.