Have you ever wondered what you will do when you finally get up the courage to quit the job you have been vowing to leave for years? Sure you have, we all have.

From the world famous “mic drop,” to finally telling off that co-worker who has been driving you crazy all these years, workers across the world have all envisioned what they will actually do when that day comes. However, very few will do something as funny as what this person did.

In an article on Mashable, a person quit their job by delivering the news via what appears to be a “Sorry for Your Loss” greetings card. The card said, “Even though you knew this time would come, there’s no way to prepare your heart for such a loss. I am so sorry.”

I just quit my job the best way I know how.

The now former employee known as “Alex” then signed his name and wrote “2-week’s notice 8/8/16” under the sentiment that was printed on the card.

Alex gets an A-plus for creativity, because this is the first time this writer has seen a two-week notice delivered in this manner. If you scroll down the comments on the image, it seems Alex is not the only one who has gotten creative with his method of quitting his job.

One person said someone slid their key under the door and never went in. Another had an argument with a co-worker and when his manager asked what his plan was, he handed his manager a resignation letter from his bag—side note, how long was he walking around with a resignation letter in his bag?

While it may be entertaining to read about, all of these methods of quitting got me thinking—do you really want to leave an impression like this on your way out? Going through professional development classes growing up we were always taught to not burn bridges, so finding a creative way to quit seems like it could hurt you in the long run.

In this week’s “Three for Thursday,” we examine three negative consequences that could come from quitting your job the wrong way.

Bad Reference From a Former Employer

This is easily the first thing that comes to mind. Most companies ask for previous employer contact information on an employment application, and while some prospective employers do not take the time to call each and every previous employer—what happens if they do call the one you “dropped the mic” on the way out of?

The entertainment factor of quitting your job and becoming a legend on the way out is something a number of people seem to revel in. But do you really want to chance not getting the job of your dreams because of a place you could not wait to leave?

I would not take that chance, and neither should you.

We don’t recommend doing this on your way out.

Former Manager Gets a Job at Your New Company

Life has a funny way of making things come full circle, and this actually happened to me. I left an employer because of the treatment from a manager I directly reported to, and six months later that manager ended up getting hired at my new company!

Luckily for me, we were in different departments and I spoke to my human resources manager about not having to report to them at any time because we did not work well together at a previous place of employment. However, you may not have this luxury in your career—and that same manager you walked out on before could end up being your boss again one day.

Your Dream Job Comes Open…At the Company You Quit

Not everyone leaves a job because they hate their employer, some leave in order to advance in their career. With this in mind, you may one day get the opportunity to return to a previous employer because the next step in your career becomes available there.

If you quit the wrong way, you could miss the opportunity to take the next step in your career at a place you used to work at. Even something as simple as leaving before your two weeks is up could end up in your employee file, and may cause that company to look another direction when it comes to your application.

Bonus: 3 Suggestions to Quit Properly

• Always, always provide a two-week notice to your direct report manager and human resources department. You do not need to get into specifics on why you are leaving.
• Perform your job function up until your final day. Even though you may never intend to come back, you never know when you may need a reference from a co-worker or manager.
• Lay out a transition plan for whoever is taking over your work after you are gone. This will once again make you look like a consummate professional and leave the possibility open to working together again.

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