Argentine ace footballer Lionel Messi's decision to walk away from FA Barcelona late last month sent shockwaves. He had spent his entire sporting career with the same club, which had handpicked him as a 13-year-old to play for their youth academy, and even paid for his medical bills. Messi's middle-class family had crossed the Atlantic and settled in Spain for the sake of their son's career. Ever since, his rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Messi proved to be the club's proverbial talisman, breaking multiple records. Late last week, Messi after all, decided to extend his stay for another year to respect his contract and avoid legal repercussions. His move to walk away, and the U-turn created tension within the club.

Beyond the realm of sports, the decision to bid adieu to an organisation after long service can be complicated, especially when you are recognised as a star performer and have grown to a senior role. But if you find yourself at career crossroads, where a job change seems inevitable if not optimal, how can you navigate this without burning bridges?