I Politely Quit My Job. Apparently, I Burned All My Bridges

Here’s what I know about quitting the right way in hopes of a smoother career future—or not

I quit! | Image created on Canva

There’s always one job departure you’ll never forget.

For me, it was my second last employment, the one that convinced me to open my business.

The job was so bad — terrible hours, disrespectful bosses, and unreasonable pay — that I decided I could no longer work for anyone else. (I did go on to work one more job, but that’s for another day)

But despite my disdain for my employment, I parted ways in the nicest way possible when the time came.

• I gave the boss four weeks' notice but offered to extend it if they needed it.
• I shed a tear as I delivered the news.
• I took all the blame for the decision, even though they deserved to know it was them.

The boss took it well.

But on the last day, the night they promised to throw me going-away drinks, I sat in the bar. Alone. No one came to say goodbye to me. No one contacted me again.

I assumed I had politely quit my job. It turns out I was burning my bridges.