Burning Bridges In The Workplace: Should We or Shouldn't We?

Introduction

Have you ever heard the story of an employee who despises his boss and the company he works for? One day, he wins the lottery and eagerly calls his boss to express his true feelings and where to stick his job. However, he soon realizes he hasn't won the lottery after all and ends up grovelling and begging for his job back.

Emotional stress in the workplace can make an individual react in ways that might be seen as insensitive or immature, especially when dealing with a colleague or manager they don't get along with. Leaving a job on bad terms and criticizing a company might not be the best way to resolve any disputes.

What Does Burning Bridges Mean?

This phrase is used when someone decides to cut ties with others or make it impossible to rekindle a relationship. The phrase itself potentially originates from a military strategy where soldiers would burn a bridge or pathway behind them to prevent the enemy from following.

In the workplace, burning bridges can mean leaving a job on bad terms, ensuring that there's no way to return or maintain professional relationships with former colleagues and employers.

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Can Burning Bridges Seal Your Fate?

There are countless stories of employees who feel wronged by their organizations due to toxic cultures. This can lead to significant stress, and when individuals are abused, bullied, or mocked, they may feel compelled to express their true feelings. Depending on the scenario, walking out of an organization without notice is a definite bridge burner. It’s just as bad as losing your temper with someone because you’ve broken the contract and this could affect your final paycheck.

This also means you might not get a reference, or if you do, it might not be a good one. While employers can't give bad references outright, they can document disciplinary warnings or cases of gross misconduct, which could tarnish your reputation.

The Aftermath of Burning Bridges

When you burn bridges, the immediate aftermath might feel satisfying, but the long-term consequences can be severe. You might face challenges in finding new employment, especially if potential employers seek references from your past job. The professional world is surprisingly small, and word of your exit could spread, making it harder to secure new opportunities. Additionally, you might lose valuable networking connections that could have benefited your career down the line.

Alternatives to Burning Bridges

So, what's the alternative? If you're unhappy at your current job, consider addressing the issues professionally. Communicate your concerns with your manager or HR department. If the situation doesn't improve, plan your exit strategy. Give proper notice, complete your tasks, and leave on good terms. This approach not only preserves your professional reputation but also ensures you have solid references for future job searches.

References: your rights

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GOV.UKGovernment Digital Service

Can Bridge Burning Work for Some?

While burning bridges is generally ill-advised, there are rare instances where it might work for some individuals. For instance, if a person has highly sought-after skills and a strong professional network, they might recover more easily from a dramatic exit.

Some successful entrepreneurs have burned bridges to signal a clear departure from their previous roles and to fully commit to their ventures. However, these are exceptions rather than the rule, and such decisions carry significant risks.

An employee who has left an organisation on bad terms can now leave feedback on certain recruitment websites and forums which can also give some satisfaction because this can be done anonymously. Providing this feedback can warn others from applying for a job for the organisation if they start to get many bad reviews of employee's past.

Spread the Word of a Workplace Toxic Environment

In certain situations, burning bridges can shed light on a toxic workplace environment, potentially helping others avoid similar experiences or even prompting the organization to review its working methods and improve its culture.

When employees leave a job on bad terms and publicly share their reasons, it can expose underlying issues within the company. This can lead to public scrutiny and pressure on the organization to address and rectify the toxic environment.

Conclusion

Burning bridges at work is a risky move with far-reaching consequences. While it might feel satisfying at the moment, the long-term fallout can be challenging. If you find yourself in a toxic work environment, take a step back, breathe, and consider your options.

Handle your departure professionally whenever possible to safeguard your future career prospects. And if you do choose to burn bridges, do it with the awareness of the potential impacts and the hope that it might shine a light on necessary changes within the organization. The world of work is interconnected, and maintaining good relationships is key to long-term success.

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