diff --git a/bitbake/lib/bb/server/process.py b/bitbake/lib/bb/server/process.py
index 4bfff45f01..d362f8d7fe 100644
--- a/bitbake/lib/bb/server/process.py
+++ b/bitbake/lib/bb/server/process.py
@@ -203,7 +203,7 @@ class ProcessEventQueue(multiprocessing.queues.Queue):
 
     def waitEvent(self, timeout):
         if self.exit:
-            raise SystemExit
+            sys.exit(1)
         try:
             if not self.server.is_alive():
                 self.setexit()