It may be a moment or a period that leads one to the decision to change jobs. Once the decision is made, the process often starts with active job search, making contacts with potential employers, etc. However, for many people, once the decision is made, it also becomes hard to maintain their performance and enthusiasm in the job they are holding. This could lead to an unfortunate result: getting fired before getting another job.

When this happens, the damage isn’t limited to the job loss; it even extends to undermine your chances of getting another job – that was your main goal. It is known that getting a new job is often easier when you’re already employed, and certainly when you don’t have a “fired” label on your record.

That is why it is important regardless of how you feel about your present job and regardless of your decision to move on to maintain your best performance, and to avoid the following five pitfalls that can get fired.

1-Source of negative vibes

The decision to look for another job and move on is certainly based on some grounds — legitimate or not. But what you must avoid is becoming a source of negative energy that poisons the workplace and ruins everyone else’s work experience. If there is something that managers won’t tolerate it would be someone who is undermining the team spirit, encouraging others to quit or playing office politics. That is why keep your decision to yourself, share your grievances to the minimum and make sure you stay, sound and appear to be positive. Since it is your decision to leave, make sure your exit is a graceful one.

2-Negligence and unpunctual

Now you’ve made the decision to move on, do you really want to show up on time? The answer is: Yes. Although everyone stresses on how first impressions last. In reality, final impressions have an equal or sometime a more lasting effect. Even if your carelessness by the end doesn’t get you fired, it can sabotage your legacy with the employer: you will be remembered for being sloppy, unorganised and unreliable. On the other hand, being committed to the last minute can help you keep your job, get a positive reference and be sure that if you end up crossing paths with the same employer or coworkers, you will be welcome as someone they want to work with.

3-Funneling out leads or customers

Any action that involves you taking over your employers’ clients whether it is just speaking with them regarding your plans, and trying to copy confidential materials can get you fired on the spot. This restriction may not be detailed or specified in your contract, but employees typically are obliged not to engage in a business that is competitive with their employers. That is why you must think twice before trying to take advantage of your employer’s clients or any other privileged information that you may have access to only because of your position. If you’re starting your own business, you must be sure that you’re not setting yourself for a legal battle.

4-Giving yourself away

Word spreads faster than you think. If you begin to share your plans with coworkers, before you know your supervisor may become aware of your intention to quit. This may trigger either an attempt to make your situation better to tempt you to change your mind, or could speed up the search for your replacement. Either way you jeopardise your current job. Another way that can make others guess your intentions is a sudden change in your attitude. For example, refusing to take on big long-term projects is another sign. While you may think you’re doing your employer a favour by avoiding taking a project that you won’t be there to complete, the reality is that you’re sending a message that you’re no longer interested in working and contributing — a sure way to get yourself booted.

5-Going unrealistic

If you’re not sure about your decision to quit, you may be tempted to negotiate yourself. In other words, you may think: “If they’d offer me a better job, I’d stay.” Remember if no one is aware of your intentions, your demands may simply sound unrealistic — and can be interpreted in many ways that are rarely positive. If you’re just unsure, focus on making the best out of your job to get, for example, the promotion or raise that you want, but don’t go asking for your boss’s job just because you think you’d do a better job.

Get fired

1-Play politics

2-Turn unreliable

3-Steal business

4-Publicise intentions

5-Request unrealistic changes