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[geonerd]

I'm sorry you're bummed out, and its too bad that your colleagues didn't give you a better send off. My guess on the situation is similar to grupt's. If you are leaving a tt position at the end of year 1, then you arrived on campus at the beginning of year 1 and immediately began looking for your next position. Certainly that's nothing new, and I've known people who did that for family reasons such as moving closer to elderly or sick parents, to compromise job/living locations with their spouse, or the perfect dream job came along and it was too good to pass up. Whatever the reason, your colleagues may feel like you used them, and then left. It would be great if we could all be mature and be happy for each other's successes, like your new job, but we're only human. Did you matter at all, YES, clearly you did, and still do, since the students expressed their appreciation, and your new institution obviously wants you. Don't let grumpy ex-coworkers control your self worth. Good luck in the new job!

[collegekidsmom]

There could be many reasons for their treatment of you, especially after only one year. Why not take the high road, send them all a pleasant email describing what you so much enjoyed about working there, and say a nice goodbye. So, often people look at things from a self-focused perspective when there could be any number of reasons there is no party, no card, whatever. There will be other times in life when people disappoint you so I would always leave people with a good impression of me and go around and thank them individually also for the many things they have done for you this year and say a nice goodbye without expecting anything back. One day you might run into one of them in an unexpected position and it would be nice if they had a good memory of you. Don't analyze it too much because you will never really know what people's reasons are for their behavior. You have a nice new job and that will be your focus. If you reach out with a kind word, you may get some more information that will be helpful. I would say a nice goodbye. You might also find you feel better about the whole thing rather than the ending clouding your memories of all your good work there. Then just move on.

[dr_stones]

This isn't high school. Who cares? Go enjoy your new life.  My departure from my previous post (resigned to take a better job) was to have to threaten to litigate to get the last three installments of my salary.

[minervabird]

Sorry to hear what happened.  I've had differing experiences.  My first job was a three-year VAP, and I got a party, card, and lots of well wishes, but my chair was a thoroughly nice human being and we were in a dinky school. 

My second job was TT, I received tenure, and then left a year later as I got married and had a better job offer.  This time, people in the department were angry I left, as I had been doing a lot of the grunt administrative duties and post-tenure would have more heaped upon me. It was difficult, particularly as I'd known many of my colleagues there for a long time, but I was gracious and quietly made my exit.  Though I was initially puzzled at their behavior, it made sense when one person told me "why are you leaving...isn't this place good enough for you?"  The fact I moved to be with my new spouse didn't matter.  The fact that like my colleagues, I also wanted a partner and a family didn't matter. That the next job was a big step up for me didn't matter.  But their hurt feelings mattered to them, as did the fact someone else in the department had to teach at 7:45 am on Monday morning, run the student club, and do the department's annual review.   Enjoy your new job, and forget about what your previous colleagues think. 

[patchouli]

Down in the Dumps,

You did matter, and that is apparent in some of reactions that you are unfortunately experiencing as you prepare to leave.  One thing you must know is that considering both this treatment and whatever compelled you to move elsewhere, you are probably moving to a much better "fit," as you inherently seem to know.

Parties, however, may not be the full measure of your value or importance.  As mentioned in an earlier response, sometimes the people in charge of organizing parties in some departments are too busy, or unfortunately, may be more inclined to throw a party for one colleague but not another.  If the second situation is your case, be happy in knowing that this is the kind of place you are leaving. 

All you did for your department is not wasted energy, but a foundation of work and accomplishments that you can take to your new place and build upon. 

Take the friends and connections you have from this place (they may not be in your department), including the students, to heart.  Do not respond to the "snubbers."   They tend to relish drama and want to draw you down to their level.  Those with professionalism and character will have a dialogue with you as an adult instead. 

I agree with mdwlark about self-satisfaction and contentment in that . . .

you can't place your happiness, satisfaction, or self esteem in the hands of others.

Enjoy your new job.