The term burning bridges, sounds easy to understand yet it seems so many people don't get it or just don't care. So what does burning a bridge mean? It means that after you have lied and have been caught in the lie you have lost the trust you once had. It means that after you have taken advantage of someone's generosity and good intentions you do nothing to show your appreciation and always expect more.
Burning bridges is a metaphor. It
means to destroy the possibility of communicating with others or
returning to a previous position. This could apply to a job you hate, and when you quit you tell everyone there that they are assholes, you make a big scene and you leave the building or you decide that you are not going to call in or show up for your shift and completely stop going altogether, without letting anyone know. Later on you find a job you would love but they want references form past jobs. You have "Burnt that bridge" from your last job and now you have no references.
I have ended a lot of friendships with people because of their selfish nature. I give a lot of my time to my friends that need a hand. They, in turn, help me when I need a hand. I don't expect them to do it all the time and if they say they can't help out once in a while that is fine as well.
What I can't tolerate is someone who says they are going to come and help me out and then don't show up at all and are impossible to reach. Another thing I cannot stand is the endless excuses and lies they fabricate to try to placate me. There are also people with whom I don't hear from for long periods of time and out of the blue they call looking for help and after they get it they disappear again. I do not need these types of people in my life.
So what's the easiest way to not burn bridges? Be honest and do what you have agreed to do, be appreciative of the help given. Lying is the cowards way out no matter how you justify it. If you want to quit, say you need to quit and say your job is too stressful. Some companies might even offer you a less stressful position. Can't help out a friend in need? Tell them you can't help, that you have been particularly lazy lately and you think you might be more of a hindrance than a help. You could also get up off your lazy ass and force yourself to help if you really value the friendship.
Rebuilding a bridge you have burnt is a long and stressful venture. And the rebuilt bridge is never as strong as the original.
Burning Bridges
Scott Goerz
