Don't burn your bridges is a common saying in the corporate scene. The old saying has lots of meaning even during a time of recession, globalization and the easy movement of people throughout the country. Many successful people take this saying to heart as they attempt to climb the corporate ladder.



Imagine the day when you are either being laid-off or you have found another job. You have been so frustrated by the way things have been going at work that you want to give your boss a piece of your mind. Before you go storming into their office and telling them every nasty thing you thought about them consider a few pieces of advice.

1.) The most successful people in your field know each other. Think of all the people that currently work in your field. Let us say that you are an engineer. At the bottom there are lots of engineers but as you move up the corporate ranks there are less and less engineers that have made it to the executive level. Out of all the executives there are only a few that have actually achieved something great and are considered industry leaders. You have a pyramid of promotion. If you want to be one of those industry leaders someday you might just find yourself sitting next to or working with your old boss again.

2.) Bad references can damage your industry image: You found another job and you are extremely excited. At some point an employer in the future may request employment references. Even though your old boss (the one you gave a piece of your mind) stated the basics about your past employment, he or she gave that information in a tone that reflects their overall impression of you. If you don't believe that people in an industry talk about the people they may be hiring you are fooling yourself.

3.) You didn't leave the company yet. You walk into your bosses office and tell him how much you hate him, how you hate your job here and how much the company sucks. To your amusement your boss turns around and says ?your fired!? It won't take long the next time you apply to other jobs to figure out you were still on company time and being paid for your time and therefore your employer had the right to terminate your employment for insubordinate and/or discourteous conduct.

If you have something important to say about your company or your boss you should consider taking the smart route before you damage yourself and your career. Consider writing a letter that is professional in tone but still addresses the major issues. There is a good chance that your past employer may have asked your opinion in an exit interview if given the chance. Employers will appreciate your professional comments and will be much more likely to take action if done in a courteous manner.