Walmart employee's emotional farewell after 10 years on the job wins everyone's hearts

Although the internet is filled with tales of toxic work culture and people struggling to find enough time to spend with families, some tales of people finding support and a family among colleagues paint a positive picture. Gail Lewis, a Walmart employee from Illinois–who goes by @fluffygaileena on TikTok–recently went viral for her emotional farewell to her colleagues after working with them for 10 years. When it was time for her to leave, she said her goodbyes via the store's communication system. "Attention, Walmart, this is Gail Lewis," she announced over the walkie-talkie. "10-year associate from Morris, Illinois, 8-4-4, signing off. Good night."

Although Lewis kept her farewell message short and pleasant, the experience was profoundly upsetting for her. As she left the workplace for the last time and got into her car, she couldn't help but think about what this day meant for her." Today marked the end of an era for me," she explained. "What you just witnessed was my final sign-off at the Walmart where I've spent the past 10 years of my life," Lewis added, showing a mix of emotions. "I feel happy and sad at the same time because I'm moving on to a better job, but those people at Walmart were like family to me," Lewis shared.

"We've been through a lot together. They had my back and I had theirs. We helped each other out. We even went through a tough pandemic together," she added, referring to her coworkers. "It's painful to leave, but it's a bittersweet feeling because I know I'll be in a better place where I'm headed." Her video went viral and garnered over 37 million views and more than 4 million likes. Lewis received an outpouring of support through more than 45,600 comments. "Gail Lewis is a national treasure. Thank you for your service and contributions, Gail Lewis," said @grovesisgod. "I can't believe I'm watching history being made. God bless you, Gail Lewis, thank you for your service," commented @woodardf. "This is actually wholesome," shared @jacobdillman5. "Thank you, Gail Lewis, for your front-line duty," added @benjimannn_.

"I still remember hearing about Gail Lewis growing up. Sad day, but at least I can say I was there. God bless," remarked @mayasmells004. "Ignore the haters. Leaving a job after 10 years is a very big life change. I wish you nothing but the best, Gail!" added @windows6k0. @lookforbryan stated, "A fellow veteran here. Serving a month tour at McDonald's 23. Thank you for your service." Carrie Moses, the manager of the store where Lewis worked, expressed her gratitude for Gail's service, saying, "I am grateful to Gail for her dedication at our Morris, IL store. She will be greatly missed, and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors," as reported by NBC Chicago. As for Lewis, she has already started working at her new job and "loves the work," per NBC 5. Due to the attention she has received, she can not reveal the name of her new workplace. 

You can follow Gail Lewis (@fluffygaileena) on TikTok to learn more about her journey and further updates.