As cliche as it sounds, knowing the right person can take you a long way. Take your career, for example. A person will probably experience several employment opportunities in different companies. From co-workers, supervisors, to senior management, a lasting impression with past employees can be a useful tool for future goals. References are essential in most recruiting processes, employers usually require a few names of former co-workers or current business associates. And don't think they don't make an effort in contacting these names. Companies don't want to risk hiring an incompetent worker, so they would rather take careful measures so that the most qualified candidate is chosen. Phyllis Korkki points out the importance of picking out your references in advance, contacting them to make sure they are prepared to provide sufficient feedback on your past performance. So as much as you dislike your current position and decide you want to leave very soon, make sure you don't do so on a sour note. You may end up needing their help in the long run.

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