When Is It Okay to ‘Drag Up’?
When is it okay to just walk away from a project?
We all know the type of inspector who will quit a job in a heartbeat. He/she will be quick to tell you how that they are looking out for themselves the same way the big companies watch out for their best interests. Fair is fair and maybe they’re right.
We also know the type of inspector who will endure pure hell and never quit for any circumstance. Most of them also enjoy telling you about their noble ways and maybe THEY’RE right.
But, most of us fall somewhere in between these two extremes. If that is you, then this blog is for you, because I think you’re closer to right.
We Are Contractors
In the inspection industry, the vast majority of us work as 3rd party contractors. That means that we can easily end up on some very good or very bad projects. You’ve probably been on both at some point in your career. If you end up on a bad one, when is a reasonable time to walk away? Or…is there a reasonable time to walk away?
When Enough is Enough
In my opinion, yes, there is a time to walk away.
We all have a different threshold for certain difficulties/life issues and most of us agree – there is a time to walk away. Whether you have –
- Financial difficulties and there is a job offer for way more money
- You have a boss from hell and there is a job opportunity that offers a bit of relief
- You are being asked to compromise your principles on the project
- There is a job that will allow you to see your family more
Although it might be different for each of us, most of us have that place where we know, it’s time to go.
But Will You Burn a Bridge?
That is often the big fear ‘Will I burn a bridge if I leave?’
Maybe – and in some cases the answer is, yes. If you have a lot of contacts, that really doesn’t matter though. There’s still a lingering fear in this industry of being blackballed or basically exiled because of quitting a job. If you are working in a very small circle of people, that’s still entirely possible.
So, you may burn a bridge, but many inspectors say – who cares? If you have enough connections/contacts, it just doesn’t matter. If you don’t have many contacts…well, you had better think twice.
So, You’ve Made Up Your Mind.
What Next?
Leaving a project works out best if you follow a few steps.
1- Talk to your boss first.
Never leave without having a sit down, eye to eye conversation with your boss, even if you don’t like them.
2- Give some notice
Don’t just walk out of the door and leave them in a bind, unless it is absolutely unavoidable. Keep your integrity.
3- Don’t stir the pot before or after leaving.
I shouldn’t have to explain this.
I know how hard it can be to hold your tongue when you’ve been done wrong but try to hold it anyway.
And finally – if you have to go, go happy!
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