Remember the flight attendant who quit by sliding down the emergency chute?

In August of 2010, Steven Slater of JetBlue cursed out his passengers, popped a beer, and slid down the emergency chute at JFK Airport in New York. He instantly became a hero to disgruntled employees all over the world.

It’s an attractive fantasy — what would it be like to tell your boss, and your pain-in-the-butt customers, exactly what you think as you ride into the sunset?

The aftermath, alas, hasn’t been so great for Slater. Last year, a Washington Post article indicated he’s had a tough time finding another job:

Slater said he now does some work with the disabled community and is “looking at some other things.” He has gone to interviews and been recognized as “the JetBlue guy,” he said. They usually have a laugh, but he does wonder if his history factors into their ultimate decision not to hire him.

“I understand it,” he said. “If I’m going in for some sort of a customer service position, I’m kind of like your worst nightmare.”

Inevitably, we all leave our jobs. Sometimes the transition is voluntary. Sometimes we’re pushed out the door. Whatever the cause, there’s a right way and a wrong way to leave.

Photo By zinkevych

Here are a few tips on making a graceful exit:

1. Whatever your reasons for leaving, make a point of thanking the folks you worked with and for. Mention the things you learned and the skills they taught you — those skills will help you make the most of your next opportunity. Give credit where it’s due. 

2. If you’re leaving out of frustration, resist the temptation to tell your bosses what you really think of them. You may need them later in ways you can’t predict. I know a salesperson who left his company in acrimonious fashion. Years later he applied for a great job at another firm. His old boss was there, remembered the harsh words, and blocked the hire.

3.  Whenever anyone asks, praise your old employer. Do this even if your departure wasn’t voluntary. Never bad-mouth your old boss  — not to friends, not to business associates, not to LinkedIn connections, and especially not to potential new employers. You won’t look good, and it may cause a hiring manager to wonder what you’d say about them.

4. Send a note or email to your old employers thanking them for the opportunity and wishing them well. 

The things you say on the way out the door will follow you. Taking the high road will feel better later…and may pay dividends down the road.

Question: What’s the most unusual exit you’ve witnessed? You can leave a comment by clicking here.