He is burning his bridges by quitting his job without notice.

He burnt his bridges when he quit his job without notice.

He burned his bridges when he quit his job without notice.

He burns his bridges by quitting his job without notice.

He always puts his foot in it when he tries to tell a joke.

She always ends up sticking her foot in it whenever she tries to give advice.

He always sticks his foot in it when he tries to give advice.

He really stuck his foot in it when he made that comment.

He is always putting his foot in it by saying the wrong thing.

Sometimes, in order to achieve success, you have to lower your sights and be willing to settle for less.