Leaving a company without saying “O sewa ni narimashita”. Did you?

I’ve worked at the same company for over 20 years. Until about 3 or 4 years ago it was OK, but after that, stressful and not enjoyable.

I’ll be leaving in a few months time (teinen taishyoku 定年退職 as I’ll be 60 soon) and apart from 1 or 2 people, I really don’t feel saying the stock leaving phrase “O sewa ni narimashita” at all. It’s my last chance to show my true feelings. I really don’t feel as though anyone helped me, apart from the labour union, whose help I paid for. (Incidentally, I totally recommend becoming a union member.)

I’d love to hear from people who have felt like this on retiring.