A likely culprit of this mojo rejuvenation is the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, Americans found their lives upended by shutdown measures. They were laid off. They became their children’s full-time teachers and part-time social outlets. Those lucky enough to keep their jobs struggled as their industries transformed amid ever-revolving kaleidoscopes of rules and mandates. All of which generated immense stress that eroded people’s well-being.

Workers are now prioritizing flexibility, work-life balance, and benefits more than salary. Additional motivators are dissatisfaction, a search for safer working environments, a desire for work that aligns with skills and values, and better pay.

That depends. Yes, that may be a bit of a dodge, but it’s also the only acceptable response. Such a question can’t be answered in an article or through a multiple-choice quiz. It requires a deep analysis of what makes you satisfied at work, what you need to live a fulfilling life, whether your job meets those needs, and how you want to grow your career. No one can divine whether the stars have aligned in your favour for you.

• What is your financial situation?
• What are your family obligations?
• What values should your job align with?
• What job can you secure with your current resume?
• Do you need further education? Reskilling?
• What do you need to maintain your health and mental well-being?
• How do you want to challenge yourself?
• Are you looking to move up the career ladder? A lateral move to a new field?

They happen outside your control, and you have to decide how to respond. If the restaurant you worked at closed during the pandemic, you encountered a negative moment. If a former coworker offers you an attractive new job because of the current labour shortage, that’s an unexpected moment.

Jumps are voluntary changes. You choose to change your situation, and you do so. Those joining the Great Resignation are taking this leap.

It becomes complicated when we hit a ceiling. These do-over moments aren’t barriers to your progress. When you hit a ceiling, you need to make a jump, but you are voluntarily standing still. You are the barrier.

Sometimes when you’re stuck, you have to ask, “Am I blaming other people right now? Am I blaming my boss? Am I blaming the economy? Am I blaming coworkers?”

The lesson from this moment in history is not that people are quitting. It’s that they’ve decided to seize the moment and work for something better. Good enough is no longer good enough. 

They want meaningful lives, work that is fulfilling, and the opportunity to strive for their passions. Whether that comes from a large do-over moment or a small change is irrelevant. Either way, we’ve entered the Great Affirmation.