Don't Burn Your Bridges when Leaving a Job

When you decide to leave a job to pursue other avenues for your career, it is a good idea not to burn your bridges before you leave. In other words, try not to make the employer you are leaving glad you are gone, because if things do not work out with your new job, it is always good to have a job to fall back on.

It is always a good idea to give proper notice of your resignation. Your employer will need to replace you when you leave and may even need your help in training someone for your job. Though you may not want to train someone new, your boss will appreciate it, and likely remember that you did upon the chance that you may return.
Giving proper notice can also keep your soon to be former coworkers from getting bombarded with work because they are short on staff. You may have to work with these people again someday, so you want to keep on good terms with them.

Most employers will understand your resignation if you are leaving to better your career and your life. If they do not understand and take offense to it, then you are definitely making a good choice. If you are a hard worker, they may even try to get you to stay by offering you a raise.

Do not leave your work area a mess. Clean up after yourself. The new hire or janitor should not have to worry about cleaning up your area before they even begin to work. It is just good manners to clean up after yourself in a public environment.

Do not take company property with you. Though you may have your favorite stapler or other office supply that you have grown fond of, if you didn't buy it,or if it was not a gift, it is not yours. This would be considered stealing.

After you have been gone a few weeks, sent a note or card to your old job to let them know how the new job is going, and that you miss working with them(but only say this if you really miss working with them).

In closing, burning your bridges or making everyone mad before you leave, is not going to do anything positive for your life. Though it may feel good for the moments, it will not have any long term effects.