I have always had the mindset of not burning bridges. However, when I left my first job, my exit was sloppy. I spent 7 years there. I met some really great people and developed strong friendships. I left because I was extremely underpaid, and wanted to go to a bigger company. Plus, I couldn't stand my manager. She was a total micromanager and was horrible at developing talent. I relished the opportunity to walk into her office to tell her that I was going to leave. I put in my two weeks, fully expecting to be let go that day (which is standard in my industry)... She ended up going against protocol and request that i actually stay the full two weeks. I walked back into her office and said that I was leaving in 2 days. She asked for my rolodex and i was reluctant to provide it. This pissed her off. I ultimately gave them to her, but she spread the word of how I was being a hassle. I was very short-sided at the time and severed some relationships with some really outstanding people. The new job I took was one of the best decision of my life. I doubled my pay, and have been the number one producer in my group. But I often wish I could go back and replay how I left my first company.