We’ve all had the fantasy of leaving a job in a huff. You know the one I mean. The fantasy where you tell your boss just where to go, using four letter words and illustrated by hand gestures. You march back to your office or cubicle, yank all of your diplomas and calendars off the wall, and retrieve your personal effects. Maybe on the way out you offer some choice words to your former co-workers as well. And maybe, just maybe, you take the office goldfish with you, too.

Sound familiar?

Everyone has had bad days at work when they wish they could let off some steam and tell off all of the people who have irritated them. And especially after you’ve found the perfect job for you with another employer, the moment of your resignation from your current job might seem like a great time to tell people what you really think about their office policies. Since you’re a professional person, you might not actually use the four letter words and hand gestures you sometimes fantasize about using, but you might feel inspired to let your former supervisor or boss in on some of your opinions about how poorly the company is run, and the reasons why you’ve decided to leave. In most cases, however, this is a very bad idea.

First, the dream job you’ve just landed may not be so dreamy. Once you’ve spent a few weeks there, you may find that the office policies or personalities at the new employer’s office make your last job sound fantastic, and you may wish that you hadn’t burned your bridges so quickly.

Secondly, even if you love your new job and stay there for years, you may one day end up applying for a position with your old employer due to lay-offs or other unfortunate events. If the human resources director at the old place remembers the day you stormed out in a huff—or worse, if she has a copy of your resignation letter in her file, explaining in detail everything you think is wrong with the company—your chances of landing a job with your old employer will be slim to none.

Finally, remember that you are not the only person who changes companies within your industry. The person you told off at your old job last month may be hired by your new employer down the road to be your supervisor. Any negative comments you make today could cause a personality conflict in your new job later on.

So what is the right way to leave an employer you may one day come back to? Most of the time, it’s best to keep your reasons to yourself. Be polite and explain that you have decided to move on. Even if you are pressed for reasons, try to be discreet about negative feelings you may have developed about the employer. Keep your resignation letter brief, like this:

After much thought, I regretfully resign my position at XYZ Company. I am grateful for the opportunity to explore the position of office manager and particularly appreciate the thoughtful mentorship I received. I wish you all best in the future.

By remaining as professional as possible, you greatly increase your chances of being hired back by the former employer if your circumstances change and a return is necessary. If you ever find yourself submitting your resume to your old employer, you’ll be pleased that you’ve left those bridges intact.



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