As a career choice, it isn’t a savvy move to burn a bridge because you might need to cross it in the future. Once it goes up in flames, there is no way to get it back and you will need a new crossing. Are you keeping up with the bridge metaphor? Good, because the simple thing to take from this post is that making an enemy is not helpful for a person’s career.
Actually, that isn’t always the case. As it happens, there are four times when burning a bridge is perfectly acceptable, and you can find them below. Now, where’s that gasoline?
If The Temptation To Use It Is Strong
The theory that it’s always useful to have a backup plan doesn’t hold up when your previous job was toxic. Yes, a former employer might take you back, but it isn’t in your best interest. There is a reason you left in the first place and it was because you hated every minute. To go back would only make you unhappy and potentially ill, too. Once you build up the courage to break the chain, there should be no backsliding. To prevent the slightest hint at a backward step, the bridge has to go.
If There Are Multiple Alternatives
Sometimes, there is only one person who can help in your time of need. If they hate your guts, he or she isn’t going to jump to your rescue. However, it’s worth noting this scenario isn’t the norm. Usually, there are multiple avenues for an individual at any one time. Take finance as an example. You are a business owner who needs funding, so the last thing you want to do is annoy the local bank. Well, p2plenders.co can find you a private and legitimate source of funding. A credit union can offer a small line of credit without rigorous credit checks. And, a family member may be able to front the cash. There is always another option.
If It Helps A Friend
Former employers don’t like past employees “stealing” members of their workforce. For the most part, people don’t act on a job offer until a friend reaches out. So, it isn’t like the majority of employees actively target their past employer. They do it to help a friend, and that is an excellent excuse. For starters, you need a balance between your career and life and helping a friend allows you to keep a grasp on the important things in life. Plus, there isn’t much a former employer can do in this situation. They will talk about taking legal action, but it’s a bluff to strong-arm you into submission.
If There Isn’t Another Option
Frankly, everyone would love to slip away into the sunset. However, the situation may dictate that you have to take a stand. Or, an employer might back you into a corner. Whenever this happens, you have to fight back and defend yourself against allegations. The bosses may not like what they hear, but that is a consequence a person has to deal with later.
It is best to avoid bridge burning, yet sometimes it just isn’t possible.