Not the Way to Leave Your Job

JetBlue flight attendant Steven Slater left his job in a most unusual way. Apparently incensed over an argument with a passenger, he grabbed some beer, exited via the emergency chute and then drove home. Before making his rather strange departure, Slater allegedly cursed over the plane's intercom. He was later arrested on charges of "criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and trespassing," according to an article on msnbc.com.

Now Slater has a fan following in the form of Facebook pages and tweets. It seems many people can relate to someone getting so upset with the actions of customers, co-workers or bosses that they storm out of work (or exit via the emergency chute if applicable to the workplace). Who hasn't felt such frustration at one time or another? You might have a customer who just can't be pleased or gets abusive, as Slater alleges the passenger did. Or perhaps it's your boss who mistreats you or a co-worker who misbehaves. Making a spectacular exit may feel good initially — news footage of Slater after his arrest shows him smiling — but it will do irreparable harm to your career, not to mention your police record. What should you do, then, when you feel so angry you can barely see straight? Don't lose it until you are away from your workplace. Then you can rant about the indignities you suffered all you want.