How not to Burn Bridges when you Leave your Job
With all the job hopping that people do these days, it is inevitable that at one point or another, you will change your job. When you change jobs, it is not a good idea to walk into your bosses office and give him a rant about how much you hated the job, and that you never want to see him again. If you know what is good for you, you will want to see him again, if you want help finding your next job that is. Never ever burn a bridge, as you never know who will make a good contact down the line.
Think about it, how bad was the job, and how bad was your boss? Even though we have good days and bad days at work, I think we can all admit that once we take some time to cool off, we realize that our job, or boss wasn't so bad. Maybe a few quirks here and there, but nothing that would make you want to banish your boss to some abyss, never to be seen again.
When you leave your current job, make sure you are as diplomatic as possible about it. Remember if you don't like your job, maybe they didn't like the fact that you were working there. You never know if your boss was secretly wishing that you would leave, and sometimes a split is mutual. Would you like it if your boss chewed you out, and disrespected you?
Tell your boss that you really appreciate the opportunity that you had to work with him, and that you wish things were different. If it was a good split, your boss will appreciate all the hard work you put in, and will wish you well. Coming back for a reference in the future will be a sure thing. If your split isn't so great, make sure that you leave on good terms by simply asking. As long as you showed up, and tried, your boss will not have too many hard feelings, especially since you are gone now.
Make sure that you don't slander the company, or say things to people that will be your former co-workers tomorrow. Just because people say they agree with you, doesn't mean they think the company is that bad, or that they won't tell your old boss what you really think. This could hurt your chances for finding your next job, and make you look like you are a backstabber, and unprofessional.
Just make your split as professional and as courteous as you can. Don't rehash old incidents, and don't dwell on any perceived slights by your old boss. The decision to leave has been made, and as long as you don't have to deal with your former employer anymore, don't worry about them. Just move on, and keep your head up, your next job awaits you at last.
