I found it very difficult to leave after 35 years of not knowing anything else. My emotions were rife, so much so that I declined all offers of "leaving do's" etc. as I knew that I wouldn't be able to hold it together. On my final day, I saluted the White Ensign and then drove out of the station in tears! Subsequently, I found it very difficult to be "outside" and had to do something about it.
In short, I didn't want to go, but I knew I had to. However the two did not reconcile themselves until I joined the reserves, giving me access to group A again and the knowledge that I was still in the bosom of the family, whilst contributing. I thoroughly recommend it.