October 22, 2021 l by Tara E.
Why are people quitting their jobs? What is the Great Resignation heard so much about during 2021?
In the People Are People Podcast: Life Lessons Learned with Lexi Mahari, the podcast host outlines a desire to leave her job.
As someone who has been working since the age of 14 in one capacity or another, she confesses to being burnt out by the demands of her current job and the industry she works in as a whole. She is ready to join the Great Resignation that is underway so that she can start doing those things that she has been wanting to do for a very long time including starting her own business. Of course, her story is not unique.
Five Reasons People are Quitting their Jobs
Lexi’s story is just one of the millions floating out there. Nonetheless, experts are starting to see trending data that paints the picture of why people are exiting the workplace in record numbers. The data suggest that the trauma of the pandemic has driven many people of varying generations in today’s workforce to weigh the value of their careers and contemplate the meaning of life. Before the pandemic, people were afraid to their quit job. Post-pandemic, it is causing them to assess whether they are genuinely doing the work their heart desires.
Five reasons people are quitting their jobs include:
- Mental Wellness
- Opportunities for Growth
- Seeking Improved Wages
- Personal Happiness
- Prioritization of Family
Mental Wellness
Let’s face it; Stress can be a monster, wrapping itself up in various cloaks in our lives. Without our mental wellness, we cannot thrive. We cannot functionally be there to support our families, and we cannot take care of ourselves. Many people are exiting stage left because the stress levels associated with their job are just off the chain. Even with the best stress management techniques, most of us cannot operate under high-stress levels forever.
As time passes, it can wear on us. It can affect our physical health and disrupt our sleep. Also, we may see changes in our eating habits. Other notable experiences that may emerge include waves of depression and an overwhelming sense of the loss of control.
Opportunities for Growth
Some people are leaving their jobs in search of growth. It is very easy to grow comfortable in your career. It is also easy to accept the limitations because you is afraid to take the next step. You probably know it well. The fear of quitting your job and moving on is never an easy decision to make.
However, the pandemic undoubtedly has led many people to reconsider their acceptance of where they are. Continuing to tolerate the “status quo” of their workplace is no longer an option.
Seeking Improved Wages
For several years, organizations have continued to ask their employees to do more for the same or a less pay. It seems as though employers have taken their employees for granted, often reinforcing an old school of thought that “they should just be happy to have a job.” Yet, ironically, some employers are having to face a harsh reality that “they should be happy to keep talented workers on staff.”
People are scanning online job boards and jumping ship for better opportunities with higher pay, greater flexibility, and fewer responsibilities.
Personal Happiness
Happiness may not pay the bills, but the way we feel is just as important as the job we do. An inability to feel empowered or happy with what we are doing translates into poor productivity. No matter how great the pay might be, most people would probably agree that their happiness is priceless.
Prioritization of Family
The pandemic undoubtedly challenged us all to re-evaluate the importance of family. Many parents, particularly mothers, left their careers to spend time at home to help their children with school. The ability to juggle both was just too much. As a result, those who were financially able to do so left their careers to focus on family.
For others, the decision to unknowingly join the great resignation made the most sense. It allowed them to be with their families for this stage of their lives. Let’s face it; 2020 and 2021 forced us to spend time alone with our thoughts and to reconsider what mattered the most.
How To Quit Your Job
If you are considering joining the great resignation, the best thing you can do is ensure you have a plan. Career experts agree that if you are merely seeking to secure a job elsewhere, you should not quit your job before securing employment.
Get Your Finances in Order
Next, check your finances before making the leap, if you plan to leave the workplace for some time or if you cannot wait until you secure a new position elsewhere. Get a clear sense of what your expenses are. Then, start making cuts in your spending where possible. As the adage goes, evaluate whether you have six to twelve months of living expenses saved and easily accessible.
Build an Inventory of Goods
You might consider stocking the pantry with non-perishable foods, stocking up on cleaning products, toilet paper, and other essential toiletries. Consider this your survival inventory. If you have the space, you will want to stock up like planning for an apocalypse. Your goal in doing so will be to keep your monthly grocery bill as low as possible over the next several months. Cutting your income in half or down to nothing will affect your lifestyle, so take steps now to plan for it.
Finally, ask yourself the following, “What will I do for medical, dental, life, and vision insurance?” Will you get on your spouse’s insurance plan(s), or will you purchase it in the marketplace? Will you pay monthly, or will you purchase your insurance upfront? If you have a spouse’s or partner’s plan to fall back on, this question is probably relatively easy to solve. However, if you are the sole breadwinner in your family, you have some work to do before joining the great resignation.