Can You Ever Go Back After Burning Bridges at Work?
Ever felt like you made the worst career move of your life? That’s me right now. I was a Site Manager in New York, working crazy hours for a top-tier contractor—let’s call them Company A. I barely took any breaks, gave them everything, and still felt invisible. When a new boss pulled my holiday at the last minute and sent nasty emails, I snapped and quit for what seemed like a better offer.
Big mistake. The new gig was a disaster—less money, zero respect, and I lost all the roots I’d built. Now, after months of hustling on my own, I’m broke, ignored by my old company, and wondering if I’ve been blacklisted. I’ve reached out, apologized, even offered to start at the bottom, but all I get is silence (except when they want money back).
A well-connected friend says I might still have a shot. But can you really rebuild a reputation after an emotional exit, or is the industry too small to forgive? Have you ever managed to go back after burning a bridge? Or am I just chasing ghosts? 🤔
#CareerMistakes #WorkplaceLessons #SecondChances #JobCareer