Never Quit a Job on a Bad Note
There was one time I quit a job on a bad note.
Long story short, this was my third time working for the same manager.
It was at a Subway restaurant.
Typically, I would work for him during summer breaks when I returned from college.
When he opened a new location, he needed help, and I agreed to work for him.
Things went well…
Until one day, the manager received a big order: 500 subs.
He absolutely needed me there.
Unfortunately, I was feeling sick that day and had to call off.
After that, I noticed he stopped putting me on the schedule.
When I asked him why, he said I let him down by not showing up on the “500 subs day.”
“Oh well,” I thought.
I wasn’t about to argue.
It was already nearing the end of summer, and I was heading back to college soon anyway.
So, I simply asked him for my final paycheck so we could part ways amicably.
That’s when he said:
“You’re not getting that paycheck. You cost me a lot of money by not showing up that day.”
At that moment, I flipped.
I told him I wasn’t leaving the store without my money.
He happened to be in the middle of interviewing a new employee.
The situation became tense and awkward.
He looked unprofessional, and I didn’t look much better.
I got more aggressive:
“Give me my money, or we’re going to have a big problem,” I said.
Eventually, he got scared and handed me the check.
I left that job on a very bad note.
The Lesson
I realized I’d never work at Subway again.
Sure, it was a good job for a college kid, but my college career was wrapping up, and it was time to move on to an engineering job.
If I could do things over, I’d try not to let things escalate like that.
I didn’t like how it ended…with me getting in his face.
But here’s the thing:
- Fast-food management can sometimes treat employees poorly.
If you don’t stand up for yourself, no one else will.
Sometimes, you don’t have a choice but to end things on a bad note.
Especially when money is involved, and you need it.
When You Should End on a Good Note
You’ve probably seen TV shows where people quit their white-collar jobs in dramatic ways.
Cussing out their manager, fighting with coworkers, and even breaking things on their way out.
Avoid doing that!
If it’s a white-collar or even blue-collar job, acting like a fool when quitting isn’t worth it.
I get it.
You’re full of big dreams and itching to tell your boss off.
But remember, there’s a difference between leaving a fast-food job and a corporate job.
Fast food jobs, like Subway, can be stepping stones, but they rarely align with long-term career goals (unless you plan to move up in management or own franchises).
For any job with real career potential, you should aim to leave on a positive note.
How to Quit With Grace
Here’s a step-by-step approach to quitting gracefully:
- Communicate Your Intentions
Gently let your manager know you’re leaving. Quitting is like breaking up; there’s no need to be harsh or aloof.
For example, you could say:
“Thank you so much for the opportunity to work here. I’ve learned a lot, and I truly appreciate the experience. However, I’ve received an offer that better aligns with my long-term career goals. I’d like to help ensure a smooth transition by training my replacement or assisting in any way I can before I leave. If you’d like, I’d also be happy to leave a positive review of the company on job boards like Glassdoor.”
This approach shows professionalism and gratitude while making your departure easier for everyone involved.
- Help Until the End
Stay committed to doing your job well during your notice period.
Imagine you run a company and lose a key team member suddenly. You’d be scrambling to manage daily operations. That’s why it’s important to help with training your replacement and tying up loose ends.
One of my past colleagues said when leaving:
“My phone is always open if you have any questions.”
And guess what?
When we called, he always picked up.
That left a lasting positive impression.
That said, don’t overdo it.
Just do your best to ensure a smooth handoff.
Final Thoughts
The world is smaller than you think.
You never know when you might need someone from your current company in the future.
A lot of times, I’ve landed jobs because I knew someone.
Relying solely on the traditional application and resume process could mean waiting forever.
But having an internal connection often speeds things up.
So, when leaving, make sure to leave a positive impression.
Don’t burn bridges unnecessarily.
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– ArmaniTalks 
