Why Leaving a Job on Bad Terms Can Hurt Your Career
Leaving a job is a normal part of most careers. People change jobs for all sorts of reasons — career progression, better opportunities, a change in circumstances, workplace issues or simply because they are ready for something different. While leaving a job isn't always easy, the way you handle your departure can be just as important as the decision to leave.
You don't have to leave every job feeling positive about your experience. Some workplaces are difficult, some relationships don't work out and sometimes you may have very good reasons for wanting to move on. However, even when you're unhappy, it is generally worth thinking carefully about how you leave. Walking out in anger, creating conflict or burning bridges can come back to affect you later, particularly in industries where professional networks can be smaller than you realise.
Your professional reputation matters
Your professional reputation doesn't necessarily disappear when you walk out the door. Former managers, colleagues and other people you have worked with may remain part of your professional network for many years. They may move to other organisations, become hiring managers themselves or know people involved in future opportunities.
This doesn't mean you need to worry about every person you have ever worked with. It simply means that your behaviour when leaving can become part of how people remember you. Leaving respectfully and handling difficult situations professionally can help protect your reputation, even when the reason for leaving wasn't positive.
You may need a reference later
References can be an important part of the recruitment process, depending on the role and employer. A difficult departure may make it less likely that a former manager will be willing or able to provide a strong reference for you.
If you know you are leaving, consider who may be able to speak positively and honestly about your work. Maintaining professional relationships throughout your employment can make this conversation much easier when you eventually start looking for your next opportunity.
You don't know who you'll work with again
The person sitting across from you today might work somewhere completely different in a few years. A former colleague could become a manager, a client, a recruiter or someone who knows the hiring manager for your next role.
Professional networks can change considerably over the course of a career. Burning bridges because you are frustrated with a workplace today may close doors you didn't even know existed in the future.
Leaving professionally shows maturity
How you handle a difficult situation can say a lot about you. Resigning professionally, communicating clearly and completing your responsibilities where possible demonstrates that you can manage change without allowing frustration to dictate your behaviour.
This can be particularly important when you are moving into a more senior position. Employers aren't only interested in what you achieved in your previous roles. They may also be interested in how you work with people, handle difficult situations and respond when things don't go according to plan.
You don't need to pretend everything was great
Leaving on good terms doesn't mean pretending that you loved the job or that everything was perfect. You can be honest about why you are leaving while still remaining professional.
For example, if you were unhappy with the workplace culture, management or lack of career progression, you don't necessarily need to express every frustration during your resignation. Think about what you want to communicate, keep your comments factual and avoid turning your departure into an opportunity to settle old scores.
Give appropriate notice
Where your employment arrangements require or provide for a notice period, follow the appropriate process and give the required notice. Use the time to complete outstanding work, document important information and help with the transition where it is reasonable to do so.
There may be circumstances where this isn't possible, particularly where there are serious workplace issues. In those situations, getting appropriate advice and prioritising your wellbeing and safety is more important than simply trying to maintain a perfect exit.
Keep communication professional
It is natural to feel relieved, frustrated or emotional when resigning, particularly if you've had a difficult experience. Try not to let those emotions dictate what you say in emails, meetings or conversations with colleagues.
A short, professional resignation and respectful communication can go a long way. You don't need to provide a long explanation to everyone about why you're leaving. Keep your communication appropriate and focus on moving forward.
Think about your future, not just your final day
When you're unhappy in a job, it can be tempting to focus entirely on getting out. But your final few weeks can still form part of your professional story.
Before you leave, think about what you have learned, the relationships you want to maintain and the experience you can take into your next role. Connect with colleagues you have valued working with and, where appropriate, keep those professional relationships going after you leave.
What if you have already left on bad terms?
If you've already had a difficult departure, don't assume that your career is permanently damaged. People leave jobs badly for many different reasons, and one difficult experience doesn't define your entire career.
Focus on what you can do next. Maintain positive relationships with other professional contacts, learn from what happened and avoid repeating the same behaviour in your next role. If the subject comes up during an interview, you can acknowledge that the departure was difficult without launching into criticism of your former employer. Focus on what you learned and what you would do differently.
Leaving well can keep doors open
You won't always be able to leave every job on perfect terms. There may be genuine disagreements, difficult circumstances or situations where your relationship with an employer has broken down. Sometimes leaving is the right decision, regardless of whether everyone is happy about it.
Where you have a choice, however, leaving professionally is usually the smarter long-term approach. Your career is much bigger than one job, and the people you work with today may become part of your professional network for years to come. Give appropriate notice, communicate respectfully, complete what you reasonably can and move forward without unnecessary conflict.
You don't have to look back on every job fondly. But if you can leave with your professionalism and reputation intact, you've given yourself a much better chance of moving into your next opportunity with confidence.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Employment and resignation requirements can vary depending on your circumstances and applicable workplace laws.
