One question I have seen consistently floating through cyberspace is, “should you quit your job before finding a new one?”

The short answer is no, but it certainly depends on your circumstances. If the culture around the workplace has turned incredibly toxic from the day you were hired, then leaving would probably be the healthier option. But if you have a family who relies on you for income and/or benefits, then sticking with it until they grow tired of you or until you receive an offer elsewhere may be better.

Whether you are currently hunting for a new job or have one lined up, there is definitely one thing you should never do (again, depending on circumstances): abandon your job entirely.

About three or so weeks ago, my store was met with a surprising conundrum: an employee who had been with the store a few months and was on a great path of growth, subsequently left his post and never returned, ignoring calls and texts to see if, at the very least, he was ok. Long story made short: we have no idea if he’s still alive.

If he is alive and well, though, then that bridge is definitely burned down.

Another worker at the store has elected to burn bridges slowly by allowing his ego to infiltrate his work, significantly reducing his work ethic and increasing his disrespect for authority–and the whole team–as he gets closer to his final days before transitioning to another company (to be fair, his work ethic and attitude was terrible from the very beginning).

Other scenarios that have happened: one part-time associate who had a full-time position simply stopped showing up for her shifts; a wine manager transitioning to another job followed a similar pattern until he officially tendered his resignation, sharing his letter about how inefficient the company was not only to his immediate supervisors but to the district and regional managers as well.

Does job abandonment go on your record? In a way, yes. It is still of the utmost importance to continue to work hard so that the transition between careers is a little easier, not only for continual work-ethic carryover, but also to maintain a positive outlook and professional relationships. When we let our guard down and begin to intentionally dip in performance by suddenly not showing up or becoming complacent in our duties, we are severing the very image and professional connections that are so important to succeed in today’s business world.

Job abandonment–both physical and behavioral–will set fire to the bridge at both ends while we are standing still standing in the middle.

Imagine pleading for help after the bridge has burned down?