Never Burn Your Bridges

No matter how much you dislike a company or boss for which you work, it is never a good idea to burn bridges when you quit your job. The simple reason is that you never know when you might need that previous position to serve as a stepping stone to the next phase of your career. Plus, connections you made outside that company are just as valuable as a good reference from your former boss.

Scott Kirsner of the Boston Globe interviewed several human resources experts in 2012 to get their take on how to quit your job in a good way. The overriding theme is to be just as professional on your way out of the position as you were going into the job. At one time, you had to prove to your manager you were better than your predecessor during a job interview. As you leave the company, let your manager know what he will be missing by acting professionally, courteously and constructively.

Some managers do not mind if you search for a job without giving your boss a heads up. Sometimes, that move does not make sense because a manager may let you go as soon as there are budget cuts or company reorganizations if he discovers you want to quit your job. On the other hand, letting your boss know you are searching for another job may earn you a better position, with better pay and benefits, than you had before with your current firm. Informing your boss beforehand may allow your manager to address any concerns.

One vitally important aspect of a resignation is to give as much notice as possible. For many positions, two-week notice is standard. For midlevel managers, department heads and upper-level vice presidents, it may take a month or more to find a suitable replacement. Help your boss train your replacement before you exit. Be proactive so that there are as few hard feelings as possible when you quit your job.

There are several reasons not to burn bridges when you leave. First, according to Ashley Wright of The Davis Companies, is that the question of why you left your last position will surface in future interviews. Second, your future boss needs to check two to three references from past employers, and if you cannot get you a good reference from your previous company, you probably will not get hired at your prospective employer. Third, you should keep your network from the previous job intact. The sales guy you met from Acme Brick at last year's marketing conference may have valuable opportunities for you at your new office.

Sometimes, there is nothing you can do but quit your job in a bad way. Some bosses are just horrible, and you may have to slip out quietly. Try to act professionally with your manager and try to reason with your boss. If the person is still too demanding and unreasonable, you may have a case to take to the human resources department for remediation.

Sometimes it is not about when or if you quit your job but how you left your previous company. Employee turnover is almost expected in a contemporary job market, but there are still good ways to handle a job transition that edifies everyone.

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