Keeley Pejovic, a 21-year-old Australian, recently expressed her dismay on TikTok over the lack of acknowledgment she received from her colleagues and managers on her last day at a Gold Coast Woolworths. After dedicating six years to the job, which spanned her entire teenage years, Pejovic was disheartened by the absence of a simple thank you or farewell.
“Six years, I quit and I did not get one single thank you or goodbye. Like no one gave a f–k,” she lamented in her video, which quickly garnered over 200,000 views and sparked a heated debate among viewers. Pejovic revealed that one of the reasons for her resignation was the feeling that “nobody cared” about her presence at the job. “I was literally just existing at my job. To be there for six years and nobody could care less. The managers didn’t say anything, no thank you, no goodbye, nothing,” she said.
Her experience resonated with many young workers who shared similar stories of feeling unappreciated when leaving their jobs. One person commented, “Me the person who organized all of the farewell gifts … just silently walked out on my last shift,” while another shared, “7 years in my last job not even a card. Last thing my boss said – you’ll be back.” Some were surprised that Pejovic didn’t receive “some flowers or something,” describing the situation as “very sad.”
I think I’m at breaking point #fyp #foryou #dayinmylife #breakdown
♬ original sound – Keeley Pejovic
However, not everyone shared this sentiment. Several Australian workers chimed in, suggesting that expecting thanks when leaving a job is unrealistic. “Welcome to the real world,” one person remarked. Another added, “I can never understand why people expect anything when leaving a job,” and a third commented, “Calm down, we’re all just a number.”
While some commenters were less sympathetic, others acknowledged that while the situation was hurtful, it is a common occurrence in many workplaces. “Get used to it, this’ll harden you up & in 30 years time – trust me you’ll be in a much better place, financially & emotionally,” one person advised.
This incident comes amidst a growing trend among Gen Z workers, who are increasingly leaving their jobs within the first six months of employment. Ben Thompson, CEO and founder of Employment Hero, observed this shift in the workforce. Speaking to news.com.au, he noted, “Gone are the days when employees would stay in unfulfilling roles indefinitely, with almost 1 in 10 workers changing employers in the past year.”
Thompson pointed out that today’s employees are constantly re-evaluating their priorities, and work is not always at the forefront. “Today’s workforce is not afraid to make swift moves if a job doesn’t align with their career prospects and values or detracts from their wellbeing,” he explained.
Pejovic’s experience and the ensuing debate highlight a generational shift in workplace expectations and attitudes towards employment. As younger workers prioritize job satisfaction and personal values, the traditional norms of the workplace are being challenged and redefined.
