What really happens when you threaten to leave your job and why it rarely ends in your favor, according to former Microsoft VP of HR

• Chris Williams is a former Microsoft VP of HR and a podcaster, consultant, and TikTok creator.
• Williams writes that if the threat surprises your manager, it's poor communication on your end.
• If you're a frequent complainer, your manager may welcome your departure. 

In my over forty years of business and leadership, including being the former VP of HR at Microsoft, I've seen a lot of employees threaten to leave. It rarely ends like they dreamed. Here's why.

Being frustrated in your job is not unusual. There are minor irritations of technical issues or difficult colleagues. And there are longer-term, career-limiting frustrations. Maybe you get all the worst assignments. Or you never get the promotion you feel you deserve. Or you're not paid what you want. Frustration seems to be a part of many jobs.