Why you should never burn bridges when you resign

Why Resigning Properly Matters

The feeling of exhilaration when you land a new job is hard to beat, but when you have been unhappy in your current role the sense of relief, even liberation, can be overwhelming. And, with your escape mapped out, that can make it tempting to share your frustrations and anger. Don’t!

While providing constructive feedback in an exit interview is very important, settling scores, sharing your true feelings or bad mouthing those around you is never a good idea. Although construction is a huge industry, the reality is that most of us have specialisms within it which make it much more tight knit than you might first imagine and burning bridges can easily end up being a career limiting move.

Doubtless sharing a few home truths will deliver an immediate feeling of satisfaction, however candidates do lose out on roles because of it. In one instance the new employer asked for references from someone the candidate had been too frank with; another had their job offer rescinded after their new boss heard, via mutual acquaintances, of the candidate undermining their former employer. Colleagues will often reserve judgement on your criticisms until either they know you better or have a fuller picture, but the chances are your comments will make it harder to earn their trust and even then there may likely always linger a thought “If he/she did it to them, then he/she will do it to us”.

Even if no immediate consequences result from undermining former colleagues there are often longer term repercussions. The chances are that throughout the rest of your career you will depend to some extent on your network of clients, suppliers and colleagues past and present – it is one of the things that increases our value to employers. However, for the network to deliver its full benefit your contacts need to trust you and a reputation for unprofessional behaviour is hard to shake.

A further uncomfortable consequence of burning bridges is that, with networks being so tightly interwoven, it is common for former colleagues to find themselves reunited at other employers – oftentimes with the former reporting lines but other times with the manager-subordinate roles reversed. Those relationships can be hard to rebuild.

If you’re not comfortable with what you should or shouldn’t say, consider seeking advice but start with the assumption that anyone in your network could become your manager, client or supplier.

How to Resign Properly

• Make sure that you are comfortable with everything in your new contract before signing.
• Reread your current contract so you are familiar with your contractual obligations.
• Start with the date and your name
• Address it to your line manager
• State the position you are resigning from and when your last day will be (look at your contract for notice period)
• State your intention to minimise disruption by completing a full handover
• Thank the employer for the opportunity and experience
• Sign off including contact information
• Having written the letter schedule a meeting with your manager and consider what you want to say before handing them the envelope. Be prepared for questions about your reasons for leaving, where you are going, and why that job.
• Hand over the letter and provide a copy to HR.

It is essential to maintain professionalism when resigning, as burning bridges can have long-term consequences on your career. Focus on leaving on good terms and building a strong network for future opportunities.