Should You Be A Professional Bridge Burner?
People make plenty of career moves, and bridge burning is one of them. This is the act of destroying a relationship beyond repair. For the most part, the best advice is never to leave on bad terms. After all, the future is unclear and it’s impossible to tell when you’ll need a favor. On the other hand, there are some actions which are so reprehensible that you can’t afford to appease them. No amount of money is worth getting burned twice and not learning from your mistakes.
Bridge burning in your professional life is rare but acceptable. Here are the four times to consider taking drastic action.
Office Politics
Go ahead and burn a bridge when your boss or a coworker gets personal. It might be something such as wage theft or tarnishing your reputation. The main reason it’s worth venting your anger is that of personal consequences. These people are happy to throw you under the bus and impact your life so that they get what they want from the situation. Sadly, they are beyond change and these leopards will never change their spots. You don’t have to make a scene; log it in your mind and make a mental note. Whenever they need your help, and they will tell them to thanks, but no thanks.
Time’s Up
A lot has happened in a short space of time thanks to the MeToo and Time’s Up movements. Now, workplace abuse of vulnerable employees is no longer commonplace. However, it doesn’t mean it won’t happen and there still might be propositions which make you feel uncomfortable. If this situation ever becomes a reality, be sure to file a complaint with HR and speak to a lawyer. There is no excuse for such behavior and it needs eliminating from the industry as it’s a form of cancer.
Recycling
Some jobs make workers feel anxious and miserable as the environments are toxic. Thankfully, you made a brave decision and got out before the going worsened. Still , it doesn’t mean you won’t go back if there is a series of unfortunate events. Anybody who suspects there’s a slight chance of making a return should burn the bridge ASAP. Your mental health is worth too much to put it at risk again by re-entering the belly of the beast. Plus, it’s hard enough to leave once, so to do it a second time will be nearly impossible.
Integrity
Companies like to appear as if they are progressive yet they are stuck in their ways. Anyone in such a position will find themselves in between a rock and a hard place. Not only will your ideas be brushed under the carpet; you will be responsible for the long-term. Take the role of quality control manager as an example. If faulty products leave hit the market, it’s your neck on the line even if your boss dimmed your flame. In this case, the only option is to tell the truth to save your skin.
The CEO will be angry, but at least you get to keep your integrity.