The norm where I work is to have some sort of celebration with cake for folks that voluntarily resign or retire, in addition to birthdays, baby showers, etc. Unfortunately, there are occasions where folks “involuntarily retire” unexpectedly (if you get my drift). Thus “cake” or “no cake” is a new term in our department.
“Susie doesn’t work here anymore…no cake”
Yesterday, we were having a baby shower with a lovely, baby themed cake and I was jokingly asked if I left would I want cake or no cake. I immediately responded “No cake! I would want MEAT LOAF”. I was purely thinking of not wanting to EAT cake, and when I realized what she was asking we both laughed.