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.

The Great Affirmation

Americans regularly quit their jobs in the ‘60s and ‘70s, but that pace only began to slow in the ‘80s. Among a barrage of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-happened-to-american-jobs-in-the-80s-2017-7">Reagan-era</a> spending cuts, deregulation, and shifting corporate culture, American workers became devalued in the economy. As their <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/08/07/for-most-us-workers-real-wages-have-barely-budged-for-decades/">purchasing power stymied</a>, they shackled themselves to their jobs — even <a href="https://bigthink.com/the-present/imagine-world-without-bullshit-jobs/">the BS ones</a> — 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!) <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/10/90-of-millennials-will-stay-in-a-job-for-10-years-if-two-needs-met.html">millennials</a>.

The Background

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.

The Main Reason For The Great Resignation

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

Ask Yourself This Before Quitting

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.

Reconsidering Priorities

<ul><li>Nearly 20 million Americans quit their jobs between April and August this year, and the trend seems to be accelerating. </li><li>Now dubbed the Great Resignation, this employment exodus stems from workers’ desire to find more fulfillment in life and work. </li><li>While quitting may benefit some, experts agree that smaller adjustments can have sanguine results, as well.</li></ul>

Key Takeaways

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?”

Taking The Leap: Jumps And Ceilings

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.

Involuntary Quitting: Negative Or Unexpected Moments

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.

The Decision Of Joining The Great Resignation

You can only resign if you have a choice.

Millions of Americans are quitting their jobs, but even if you can’t join the Great Resignation, you can still pursue a do-over moment.

MARTHA MAZNEVSKI

Similar ideas

Pessimism vs optimism

Push yourself to put in a little effort

Separate decision quality from results