Don't burn bridges
When leaving jobs or ending professional relationships
Understanding the Rule
Maintain positive relationships even when departing. The world is smaller than you think, and people you work with today may impact your opportunities tomorrow.
What Happens When You Break It
Burning bridges damages reputation, eliminates references, creates enemies who influence hiring decisions, closes future opportunities, and limits your professional network.
Benefits of Following This Rule
Maintaining relationships preserves opportunities, generates referrals, provides support network, protects reputation, enables boomerang opportunities, and demonstrates professionalism.