career suicide
Occupational fatal mistake
Career suicide is an action so damaging to one's professional reputation that it effectively ends future prospects in that field.
The term borrows the finality of suicide to describe self-inflicted professional destruction: Publicly criticizing the CEO was career suicide.
Unlike being fired, career suicide implies the person caused their own downfall, often through a single catastrophic decision.
Sudden loss of power
- self-sabotageUndermining your own goals
- blacklistedFormally excluded or barred
- unemployableUnfit for hiring
- burned bridgesDestroyed relationships permanently
Disgraceful public affair
- backlashStrong negative reaction
- whistleblowingExposing hidden wrongdoing internally
- outrageFierce moral indignation
- tabooCultural or social prohibition
boycott · expose · misconduct · polarizing · inflammatory · speaking out · going public · burning bridges
Stake on uncertain outcome
- high-stakesInvolving significant consequences
- recklessCarelessly ignoring danger
- foolhardyRecklessly bold
- imprudentLacking careful forethought
ill-advised · unwise · perilous · precarious · jeopardize · hazardous · brash · impulsive
Terminated from employment
- dismissedReleased from duty
- let goCease holding something
- sackedDismissed from a job
- forced resignationCompelled to step down
ousted · pushed out · shown the door · pink slip · terminated · blackballed · severance · unemployment
Recklessly or disrespectfully fearless
- daringAdventurous courage
- rebelliousResisting authority or control
- maverickIndependent-minded rule-breaker
- principled standPosition held despite pressure
truth-telling · throwing caution · standing ground · calling out · courageous · fearless
downfall
Sudden loss of power
- self-sabotageUndermining your own goals
- blacklistedFormally excluded or barred
- unemployableUnfit for hiring
scandal
Disgraceful public affair
- backlashStrong negative reaction
- whistleblowingExposing hidden wrongdoing internally
- outrageFierce moral indignation
taboo · boycott · expose · misconduct · polarizing · inflammatory · speaking out · going public · burning bridges · viral moment
gamble
Stake on uncertain outcome
- high-stakesInvolving significant consequences
- recklessCarelessly ignoring danger
- foolhardyRecklessly bold
imprudent · ill-advised · unwise · perilous · precarious · jeopardize · hazardous · brash · impulsive · rash
fired
Terminated from employment
forced resignation · ousted · pushed out · shown the door · pink slip · terminated · blackballed · severance · unemployment
audacious
Recklessly or disrespectfully fearless
- daringAdventurous courage
- rebelliousResisting authority or control
- maverickIndependent-minded rule-breaker
principled stand · truth-telling · throwing caution · standing ground · calling out · courageous · fearless
career suicidebig break
Career-making opportunity
launching pad · stepping stone · promotion · career advancement · golden opportunity
career suicidemasterstroke
Supremely skillful action
stroke of genius · calculated risk · playing it safe · safe bet · power move
career, careers, careered, careering, careerist, suicide, suicides, suicidal, suicidally