The Background

Americans regularly quit their jobs in the ‘60s and ‘70s, but that pace only began to slow in the ‘80s. Among a barrage of Reagan-era spending cuts, deregulation, and shifting corporate culture, American workers became devalued in the economy. As their purchasing power stymied, they shackled themselves to their jobs — even the BS ones — for affordable healthcare and a financial safety net. The era also intensified the cultural belief that today sees quitting as a sign for losers, unloyal job hoppers, or (worse!) millennials.