by Daniel J. Gansle

Created on: December 02, 2008

The last thing you want to do when leaving your job (whether voluntarily or through a layoff) is make enemies. In today's tough job market, networking is key in order to learn about job leads and new opportunities. You can't network if you've just ticked off your boss and your coworkers by burning your bridges.

Sometimes it's tough, and the temptation is great. For example, during the tech bust of 2001, rumors of employees being forced to train their foreign replacements for their jobs were rampant. If that were me, I'd be tempted to tell my company to stuff it and walk out on principle alone. But alas, sometimes in life we have to bite the bullet and remain calm and dignified in order to retain valuable contacts who we may need to use as a reference for our next position.

Here are the Top 3 guidelines to keep in mind when you are tempted to burn your bridges:

3) Don't Become Overly Casual. Today's workplace dress code is "business casual." When you're leaving your position, it becomes a temptation to come to work in sweats and sneakers. It also becomes tempting to become casual in speech and behavior. But in order to leave on a good note without burning your bridges, you must remain professional at all times. You don't want your former coworkers to provide a bad reference to your future employer.

2) Continue Working Until Your Last Day. Many people who know they're leaving their job soon will immediately discontinue their work, forcing someone else to pick up the workload. Even worse, the employee stops showing up for work altogether. Don't engender bitterness and resentment when you're leaving your position; show others you care by continuing your workload until they can pick up the work just before you go. Who knows; you may need those coworkers for job references down the line.

1) Don't Mouth Off. Let's face it, life is sometimes very unfair. You put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into your work for years, and things haven't always been so rosy. Don't be tempted to mouth off and say what you "really" think about your boss, coworkers, and company; you'll need to retain them for future references and job leads. It's been said before that your old boss may become your new boss at a different company. It's been known to happen before. So if you want to increase your chances of landing your next job, bite the bullet and remain calm, tactful, friendly, and professional.

It may at times seem almost impossible to bite your tongue while you're walking out the door, particularly in a layoff situation. But doing so will benefit you in the long run and increase your chances of getting your next job.

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