How do I “disconnect” from a client? /u/bumplugpug CSCQ protests reddit

2 years ago I was hired by my current employer as a Senior Cybersecurity Architect, to work on a single project for a single client. That project will start to wind down then complete in 3-6 months and I’ll start working with new clients.

My problem isan emotional one. I’m far closer to my client’s team than anyone at my employer. I meet with the client’s staff 8+ times a week, work from their office (willingly) every week, hang out outside of work with our better halves. My employer on the other hand has me full “WFH or any of the few dozen countries we have an office in” and my work mates are solid but I see them in person once a month at most and there’s a clear distinction between one group being work mates and the other messaging my phone for wedding photos the day I got married.

So I’m pretty attached to my client’s staff/new mates and I’m dreading moving on to other projects. Almost all work friendships fizzle out within a year of the business relationship ending, I’m no stranger to that. Plus this project is a lot bigger than any other single point on my resume, it’s a huge sense of pride. The client has tried to poach me but they can’t match the pay, benefits, or career advancements, plus I’d serve the project better from where I am now.

So, strange question here, but how can I navigate this (emotional?) challenge? I’m generally an emotional/attached bloke and like, I’m not close enough to anyone at work to have a frank discussion about navigating this.

2 years ago I was hired by my current employer as a Senior Cybersecurity Architect, to work on a single project for a single client. That project will start to wind down then complete in 3-6 months and I’ll start working with new clients.

My problem isan emotional one. I’m far closer to my client’s team than anyone at my employer. I meet with the client’s staff 8+ times a week, work from their office (willingly) every week, hang out outside of work with our better halves. My employer on the other hand has me full “WFH or any of the few dozen countries we have an office in” and my work mates are solid but I see them in person once a month at most and there’s a clear distinction between one group being work mates and the other messaging my phone for wedding photos the day I got married.

So I’m pretty attached to my client’s staff/new mates and I’m dreading moving on to other projects. Almost all work friendships fizzle out within a year of the business relationship ending, I’m no stranger to that. Plus this project is a lot bigger than any other single point on my resume, it’s a huge sense of pride. The client has tried to poach me but they can’t match the pay, benefits, or career advancements, plus I’d serve the project better from where I am now.

So, strange question here, but how can I navigate this (emotional?) challenge? I’m generally an emotional/attached bloke and like, I’m not close enough to anyone at work to have a frank discussion about navigating this.