My passage into civvy street was relatively painless but walking out of the gate in grey flannels and a sports jacket did feel a little strange. The mighty bureaucratic machine of the RAF took little notice of my passing - other than to issue me with 60 days notice to vacate my married quarter and a set of discharge documents that got several of my qualifications wrong. I didn't expect it to be otherwise. Who would?
As to farewell parties, I've had three including the one when I finished my RAF service; it never once occurred to me to not organise my own leaving party. The best was a multi-cultural family garden party/BBQ with the children invited too. It went on all afternoon and well into the early hours of the morning. I enjoyed it so much I was back with the same employer six months later, albeit in a different job.
Anyone who expects their employers or fellow employees to give them a fabulous send off is probably headed for many disappointments in their future life.