Accepting a first job offer is an exciting time in a young professional’s life. The thought of a salary, health benefits and paid vacation time is exciting and humbling. Despite the happy feelings young professionals feel upon accepting a job offer, they more than likely won’t stay in that position or in that company for long.
When the time comes to leave, can you just clean out your desk and disappear? Unless you signed a contract designating a required resignation notice period, the answer is yes, actually. But HR expert Suzanne Lucas gave a few reasons to reconsider this exit strategy on CBSMoneywatch.
You’ll Get A Poor Reference
Since work experience is lacking, references are a young employee’s lifeline. While you may provide the names and phone numbers of three people who think you’re wonderful, it’s normal for recruiters to call your current company looking for a reference. If you simply packed your desk and left one day, guess what your boss is going to tell the recruiter? Don’t let the time spent at your current company be in vain.
It’s Immature
Older workers view the Millennial generation as lazy, uncommitted and selfish. Don’t allow them to add flaky to that generalized list. While friends may think ducking out of responsibility is somewhat acceptable behavior, professionals do not. Honor your commitment.
You May Burn Bridges
Young professionals may tell themselves that they’ll never work at the same company again, especially if the corporate culture was a poor fit. But even if you never return to that company, chances are you’ll encounter a former coworker or boss in the future at another company, and they’ll remember how you left.
You can read Lucas’ full list of reasons to leave gracefully here.
Have you ever worked with someone who simply packed up and left? Did he/she encounter any career consequences?
