[dccoolgai]

I was in "position 3" about a year-and-a-half ago. I got over the shame / self-worth issues, but honestly there were a couple of betrayal-of-friendship issues from people I considered pretty close friends where it came out that what they were saying to management and each other wasn't what they were saying to me. I even asked on a couple occasions to sit down and tell me what I could do better... Got a huge pay increase and a happier job now, so it's not a sob story, but the friendship thing still stings.

[gkop]

The bittersweet aspect of this scenario in my experience, is that time heals some wounds only. With time, the friendship may survive. But it’ll never be the same of course. Neither party will want to revisit the topic of the exit from the organization, because it makes them both uncomfortable. On the sad side, there’s no chance of closure. But on the bright side, your friendship overcame some serious challenges, which speaks to your character and helps restore confidence. (I’m not assuming your friendships will survive in some form in your case, but am hopeful for you)

[dccoolgai]

The guys never reached out after the fact, so I haven't spoken to them, which is part of why it makes me sad to think about. I don't lack for friends and other positive things, it's just sad because I really liked these guys.