So you have an annoying and jerk of a boss, and you just reached the point where you’ve taken all that you can from them. You sit in your office and plan the most elaborate quitting rant that you can. You really want to show this jerk, and your fellow jerk coworkers where they can stick this job. It is going to be epic, right! RIGHT?
Not so fast. Enjoy this scenario in your head while you eat lunch, but be sure that you keep this performance to yourself. The truth is, going with an elaborate “quitting show” is a very short-term pleasure ride to take for potentially throwing away your career.
First of all, you never know who your jerk boss, his boss, or those annoying co-workers know. When your resume comes across someone else’s desk, they may see your former company’s name and realize that her friend from college works there. And what do you think that friend will say to them after seeing your quitting rant performance? And it doesn’t have to be a co-worker with whom you don’t get along. Even those who you may have called friend will have a hard time putting their own reputations on the line by recommending you.
Second, in the age of Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, you can just bet that if your tirade lasts any longer than 10 seconds, it will be recorded and uploaded before you can get to your car. You will have to worry during every interview as to whether the will recognize you. And even if the first interviewer does not, the second one might, or one of your new coworkers.
Lastly, depending upon the size of your industry or profession, word may just get around to all places that were potential new landing spots before you even update your resume. Yes you may find yourself blackballed the industry because of your need to tell your former employer and fellow employees about themselves.
Look, we all know that we have those moments where did will feel really, really good to lay into your boss and walk out the door with the old song “Take This Job and Shove It” blasting from your smartphone. But you must to consider the long game before going on an elaborate quitting rant. You may need these people for future references and networking opportunities. Hey, you may even need to return to that company once the present agitators have cycled out due to attrition, which sometimes happens. Things are just too tough out there right now to burn any bridges. Keep all options open and bridges intact, as you never know when you have to backtrack over it.
