We've all felt that urge to tell our boss to stick it where the sun doesn't shine, and most of us recognize quitting with a splash isn't the smartest career move. In honor of Halloween, let's take a look at how some folks left their jobs in a frightening manner.
1. Via video. Kevin Nalty used to work for a pharmacy company. He began his blog, Will Video for Food, as a hobby, but when he decided to become a full-time marketing consultant, it was time to leave his company with flair. Nalty created a video, which went viral, to announce his resignation. His tongue-in-cheek lip sync generated more than 190,000 views on YouTube, which didn't hurt his career in marketing videos.
2. After a vacation. Rather than have to put in your two weeks' notice and then suffer more on the job, put in your notice just before your vacation. Technically, you have the right to do so, and you essentially can walk away and still get paid for a few weeks. Your boss won't be happy about it, but at least you will.
3. Say it with Cheez Whiz. If you can't get the message across through normal conversation with your boss, try saying it with Cheez Whiz, the way Seattle Weekly reports one local grocery store employee did in 2009. Being intoxicated while writing his notice in canned cheese on the store window probably cost him the job referral.
4. Send an email ... and cc everyone. Be super classy and send your boss an email where you copy everyone in the company. Go into detail about why you're unhappy. Maybe you can start an upheaval and get everyone to quit.
5. Use your skills. If you want to be especially damaging to your employer, use your skills for evil. Many computer and game programmers have modified games or programs they were working on to get their resignation notices out there. In 2010, the website Cracked.com reported on a Ubisoft programmer that created an entire game to express why he was leaving. Not sure how future employers consider this component of his portfolio.
6. Tell a company secret. Take a note from two former employees of Borders. In 2007, as a farewell to their bosses, these workers reportedly leaked the seventh Harry Potter book before it was released. Telling a secret that your company doesn't want public is a surefire way to never get invited back.
7. Do it loudly. No one will forget your exit if you quit in the heat of the moment. Do it loudly and emotionally, and expect to be escorted out by security.
8. Do it on a sign. According to Gawker.com, a Taco Bell employee quit by posting his resignation on the store sign outside. Whether it's your company sign or a billboard, the bigger the better.
9. Grab a beer on your way out. By far, Steven Slater had one of the most shocking resignations. In 2010, several sources reported that the former JetBlue flight attendant cursed out an uncooperative passenger. Probably knowing he had ruined his chances for getting a promotion with the airline, Slater then grabbed a beer and exited the plane via the emergency slide. Talk about making a fast getaway.
Obviously, quitting in any of these ways isn't recommended unless you're looking for a ticket to permanent unemployment. But just reading them might give you enjoyment simply by fantasizing about trying out some of these techniques.
Lindsay Olson is a founding partner and public relations recruiter with Paradigm Staffing and Hoojobs.com, a niche job board for public relations, communications, and social media jobs. She blogs at LindsayOlson.com, where she discusses recruiting and job search issues.
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