[Mallika]

Hi Scout,

Thank you for reaching out. Firstly, your feelings are completely valid and natural. It is clear that you were very close to the people in your previous job.

I can imagine how much it hurts. I've been in jobs where I've been pretty close to people and yet no one messaged me on my birthday though I was still on that job though everyone gets a Facebook notification on my birthday. But as I've had to learn the hard way, not everyone values friendships as much as we do. Especially in the workplace setting, people tend to move on quickly with life. This is so especially when you move on to another job. You know the saying 'out of sight, out of mind'? That's unfortunately the harsh reality. This is so not just for the workplace, but even in school/college. After graduating, a lot of people just don't talk to the same bunch they were once so close to in school/college.

It is of course sad that they do not seem to hold on to the friendships you forged when all of you went through laughter and tears in the past. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that they don't like you. While it definitely hurts that not even one person wished you, sometimes people just seem to focus on their present work and colleagues. That being said, there are definitely people out there who will treasure your company and presence, even long after you are no longer immediately involved with them as a colleague. Such people may not have been present in your previous workplace, but you might meet them in the future.

The fact that you miss your previous colleagues and wish that they didn't forget you speaks highly of your character - you're certainly one who cherishes relationships. You don't have to let go of that streak because of this incident or because of your previous colleagues. It will help to accept that unfortunately this lot wasn't so appreciative of you, but that is their problem, not yours. It doesn't mean you are not worthy or special.

Take care and feel free to PM me if you have any questions!