The Bridges You Burn Today You May Need Tomorrow
No matter how dissatisfied you are with your current tech job, no matter how much you dread going to work or logging in each day, if you just walk out on a job instead of quitting or resigning responsibly, you are making a huge mistake. Walking out on a job without notice or with derogatory words and emails to your supervisor or colleagues as you head out the door can burn bridges that you may need as you look for new opportunities, now and for years to come.
There’s Nothing Wrong With Quitting – If You Do It Responsibly
There’s nothing wrong with quitting your job. In fact, so many people have left their positions during the COVID-19 pandemic that it has been called “The Great Resignation.” People leave their jobs for many reasons: to find greener pastures or higher pay, to get a better work/life balance and spend more time with family, or because they’ve simply decided to drop out of the labor market altogether.
While those are all positive reasons for leaving your position, many workers quit because their jobs make them miserable. They may clash with their supervisor all the time. They may not get along with their colleagues. The company culture may not align with their values, or these professionals may feel they are treated and compensated poorly. These are the workers who may be tempted to just up and leave. After all, if the company treats them so disrespectfully, why should they care about leaving their supervisors and coworkers in the lurch?
Do those reasons to quit your tech job sound all too familiar? If so, you should know that there are plenty of reasons you shouldn’t just walk out on a job without notice or with malice. Here are a few:
You Are Stuck With Your Employer – Whether You Like It Or Not
You may think that when you leave your office building or log off for the last time, your associations with that job or that company you so hated are over. But while you may never have to work there ever again (and want to forget you ever did), the reality is that you are stuck with that job as part of your employment history.
The resumes and cover letters you send out searching for a new job will list all of your work experience. Even if you wanted to leave your hated job off your resume, many companies in the IT industry require a detailed employment history. Additionally, if you omit this position from your employment history, you will have resume gaps that you will need to explain to an interviewer or hiring manager.
Your Former Manager Will Have Plenty To Say About You If You Walk Out On A Job
The tech industry can be an incredibly small world, and the chances are the company you are hoping to work for will likely want to speak with your managers or supervisors at your previous jobs. If you constantly clashed with those managers, made an ugly scene, or left projects unfinished or deadlines unmet, they will remember that. And they will share that with anyone who asks about you, even if the person asking just wanted to confirm the dates of your employment.
Suppose a hiring manager gets off the phone with your former supervisor, who tells them how awful you are and how irresponsibly or angrily you left their company. Now imagine that every hiring manager who considers you for a position has the same experience. Lighting a flame behind you as you exit your current post can send your career prospects off the cliff.
Similarly, if you abruptly walk out on a job interview, prepare yourself for the likelihood that word will get around to other companies in the tech industry.
Be Professional, Even If They’re Not
If you are fed up and want to quit your job, go ahead and do so. But do so professionally and responsibly. Resign officially and give your supervisor plenty of notice. It should be at least one week, but if the nature of your position or responsibilities demands more time to wrap up transfer to a colleague, adjust your notice accordingly. Often just giving notice will relieve some of your tension and make your job more bearable until the day you can finally leave with no regrets.
Perhaps the most important thing you can do when you quit a job is to keep your emotions in check. If there is an exit interview or other opportunity to express your reasons for leaving, be honest and matter-of-fact, but keep the emotion out of the discussion. Don’t yell, don’t disparage others, and don’t make a scene. While you may not leave on the best of terms, leaving in the best possible way and not burning any bridges can preserve your reputation – and your dignity.
Walking Out On Your Job (Responsibly)? We Can Help You Find a New One.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking your current professional circumstances justify your desire to walk out on a job. Before you burn a bridge you may need to cross again one day, contact GTN Technical Staffing to help you find a new and better position to advance your career. Then give proper notice and try to leave on good terms. Your future self and your IT career will thank you.
