If you’re miserable at your temp job, you might be tempted to simply walk out, and you may even think about telling off your boss on your way out the door. After all, a temp job is short-term by design, so it’s not like you’ll mess up your resume, right? Not so fast. It’s never a smart idea to burn bridges, even at a temp job. Here’s why.
Why You Should Never Burn Bridges (Even with Temp Jobs)
You’ll Get a Reputation
The world of work is smaller than you think, and people talk. You are in no way obligated to stay in a bad situation, but how you handle your departure says far more about you than about your employer. What if your dream job just happens to be at a company owned by your current manager’s best friend? If you need to get out, take a deep breath and make an exit plan. Remain as professional as possible, and avoid the temptation to trash talk your employer on social media or at your next job.
You Don’t Want to Lose a Reference
Even though a temp job is time-limited, it’s a great way to gain experience in your field. But that experience does you little good if no one at the company is willing to vouch for you. Even if your relationship with your immediate boss is shattered beyond repair, your professionalism may convince one or two other people in supervisory roles to give you a good reference. If you burn bridges, though, you’ve effectively wasted your time at the job.
It’s Not Your Coworkers’ Fault
You may be on a temporary contract, but most of your coworkers are permanent employees. Walking out without notice, especially if you do so in a particularly negative way, makes their lives harder. Again, you’re certainly not obligated to stay, but try to leave in a way that minimizes the impact on those who are left behind.
You May Come Back
If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that no one can predict the future. It may seem inconceivable right now, but a time could come when you need or want to return to the company (possibly in a different department). Not to mention that your boss won’t necessarily stay at the same company forever. Months or years in the future, that supervisor you want to tell off now could become your boss again.
If you want to leave your temp job, you are well within your rights to do so. But try to leave professionally, since you never know what the future might hold.
Ready for a New Position?
If you’re ready to jumpstart your career, Pirate Staffing can help. Take a look at our open opportunities or simply submit your resume today!
