If you’ve worked for a terrible boss and had unkind, backstabbing co-workers, you’ve probably dreamed of this day: the day you quit your job. You’re going out in a blaze of glory! You’re telling them what you really think! You’re walking out at lunchtime and letting them figure out how to clean up the chaos they create! You have a new Utopian job awaiting you and this nightmare is about to be a thing of the past! Except…wait.
As large as this world is, you’d be surprised how small the work world actually can be. Your work history and your reputation will follow you, even if you move across the country and never see a single soul you worked with again. How? While legally, your former employers can’t outright bash you to a perspective employer calling about you, what they can do is say that you’re not eligible for rehire. This might not be a big deal if one former employer does it, but two or three or four? That’s not good. Sadly, even if you were a great employee and did everything wonderfully, many companies won’t comment period if you’d be eligible for rehire because they don’t know. Things may be different now. That’s not a flag, but a lot of “not eligible for rehire” are definite flags.
Something else to remember: everyone knows someone. When you start bashing someone in the breakroom, don’t be surprised to find out it’s your coworker’s husband’s brother you’re verbally destroying. That’s the way the world works.
5 Steps To Quitting Your Job Without Burning Bridges
- Make sure you’ve passed background checks and have a “start date” on a new job before you quit your old one
- Start to clear out personal effects without being conspicuous
- Have a face to face with your boss
- Give proper notice
- Never bash your company or co-workers as you leave or after you leave
Some people get a little overzealous and quit their new job the second they get a conditional job offer, forgetting about that misdemeanor charge they caught for that bar fight four years ago, the marijuana they smoked on vacation last month, their bad credit score, etc. Some companies are extremely thorough with their backgrounds and drug screens. Don’t quit your job until everything is back squeaky clean and you’ve signed on the dotted line, filled out your W-2s, and have a hire date. If in doubt, ask your perspective new employer if things are definitely a “go” and all has checked out. Get things in writing and keep copies.
We all acquire little things in our offices or workspaces – pics of our dogs, children, etc. Now is the time to start taking things home little by little. If you do It all in one day, that’s pretty obvious. If you have company issued electronics, such as computers, phones, etc., it’s time to start deleting your personal emails (they shouldn’t have been there to begin with!), your pictures, contacts, etc. Some places will require you leave the premises the second you give notice. Be prepared (emotionally and in other ways) for this.
Even though we are an electronic-friendly world, unless you are a 100% remote worker, you need to sit down and have a heart to heart with your boss. Now is not the time for grievances (that time has come and gone). Contrary to pop culture, you don’t need “closure” for everything. You don’t have to say why you’re leaving other than you got a job offer that you feel is a better match for you, closer to your mom, will pay for you to get your master’s degree, or something of that nature. If your boss becomes angry/emotional, remain calm. Thank them for what you have learned while working there (you’ve learned something, even if it is that you never wish to work there again – just don’t tell them that!)
Two weeks notice is enough in most sectors – sometimes it is appropriate to give four weeks. Err on the side of caution if you aren’t sure. Put it in writing, keep it brief, date the letter, make sure to include the last day you will report, and sign it. Provide a copy to your boss, human resources, and keep one for yourself. Some supervisors may tell you not to bother to come back after you give them the letter. That’s fine – make sure you still give a copy to human resources and report that your supervisor told you not to come back.
On the way out, don’t make any scenes, but tell coworkers and the administrative assistance goodbye and thank them for their help. If you really liked some of them, you could have an edible arrangement or something similar delivered. This will leave your name in a very good light for many (and could be helpful when a prospective employer calls about you in the future!)
Remember, jobs come and go, but people transfer, and sometimes the past comes back to haunt you! Make sure your past serves you well. Here’s to new beginnings!
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Newest Key West Commercial Properties on the Market
![2710 Roosevelt Blvd Boulevard N KEY WEST, Florida Prime Restaurant/Bar location for lease in Key West. Seller is motivated and will consider all serious offers. Very visible endcap location in Overseas Market. 6,000 sf. interior available and includes all Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment. Licensed for over 200 Seats. Includes an SRX/COP liquor license and a large full service bar inside with bar seating and tables. Comfortable Indoor AC dining and outdoor patio seating available. A ton of parking surrounds the restaurant. Perfect location for a major national Restaurant and Bar or other Retail uses are possible. Favorable, long term 20 yr. lease in place, started in Feb. 2017 with approx. 14 yr. balance. Landlord Approval required for any Lease assignment. Current Denny's franchise is optional and would require Denny's application and approval. Denny's opened in Key West back in 1996 at another location by current franchisee. Overseas Market just went through major improvements. Current tenants in Overseas Market include Winn Dixie, Ross, CVS, Five Guys, Domino's, Advanced Auto, US Post Office, Jersey Mike's and other retail and office tenants.](https://cdn.photos.sparkplatform.com/flk/20240524160808514044000000-o.jpg)
2710 Roosevelt Blvd Boulevard N KEY WEST, Florida
2 Baths 6,000 SqFt
![295 51St Street Gulf MARATHON, Florida Exceptional 6-unit multi-family commercial property conveniently accessible from both 51st Street and 50th Street. This property offers unparalleled convenience and charm in the heart of Marathon. Comprised of three buildings surrounding a serene courtyard oasis complete with a sparkling pool, tiki bar, and grill. Boasting a total of five efficiencies and a separate two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit, making it an investor's dream. Each unit has undergone extensive remodeling, featuring tile floors, impact windows, AC systems, state-of-the-art appliances, cabinets, and quartz countertops. Ample off-street parking for over eight vehicles. Zoned MU Commercial with six TBRs (Building Rights), this property offers versatile opportunities for investors, whether for short-term rentals, long-term leasing, or commercial endeavors.CA/NDA and proof of funds or bank pre-approval is required.](https://cdn.photos.sparkplatform.com/flk/20240408235334380252000000-o.jpg)
295 51St Street Gulf MARATHON, Florida
7 Beds 7 Baths 2,614 SqFt
![243 61St Street Gulf Street MARATHON, Florida A rare and unique income producing Hotel in Marathon. Tropical Cottages is a boutique & very profitable Mom and Pop Motel. Total of 11 valuable Transient Licenses, 13 Rooms plus office with kitchen & check in room. There are 9 buildings on the property, 8 adorable free standing cottages and the main building with 3 rooms. Each room has been tastefully and tropically renovated inside and out. Each room is unique and comes fully furnished. Most of the units have small kitchenettes including sink with microwave and refrigerator. All units have refrigerator & microwave. Each of the cottages have shiny new Victorian shingle roofs. Additionally, there is a large Tiki Hut & Bar along with Food Truck with seating area. The Food Truck is leased for $5,000 per mos. and the Tiki Bar operations are owner operated. Both add to income and a great amenity for the guests. On site is a full laundry room with Commercial grade washers/dryers and storage rooms throughout. All housekeeping is done on site. Small but friendly efficient staff has been there long term and willing to stay on with new owners. There are a total of 6 lots encompassing over 1/2 acre of land, total .56 Ac or 24,384 sf. There is ample off street parking for guests. Zoning is GC and land use is recognized as Hotel/Motel. Bonus of Deeded waterfront access at the end of 61st St. which has a boat ramp and staging area for all types of watercrafts and sports. Same family ownership since 2010. Tropical Cottages was started back in the mid 1950's as a Fish camp and is one of the few remaining Mom & Pop Motels throughout the Florida Keys. Priced at just over 7% cap rate. Motel generates substantial Net income year after year to current owners. Sellers may consider Seller Financing to a qualified buyer and must have 40%-50% or more down payment. Terms to be negotiated.](https://cdn.photos.sparkplatform.com/flk/20240306215504991065000000-o.jpg)
243 61St Street Gulf Street MARATHON, Florida
13 Beds 14 Baths 4,461 SqFt
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