When the pandemic began, employers began laying off workers and employees were understandably worried. Who would have thought that two years later, so many employees were choosing to leave their jobs that the phenomenon would be called “The Great Quit” or “The Great Resignation”? Who knew that we’d see “Help Wanted” signs in many windows? Or that companies closed because they couldn’t find staff?
With so many employers aroud the country actively seeking qualified staff these days, The Great Resignation puts you, the job seeker, in the driver’s seat, so to speak. If there was ever a time for a job or career change, now could be the time!
Who is participating in this so-called Great Resignation?
Millenials make up 55% of the group. Those with at least five (5) years’ experience are the most likely to be changing careers, per the Motley Fool, a financial advisory group. Gen Z is also over-represented relative to its % in the population. Baby Boomers and Gen X are the least likely to be making changes.
What is motivating these changes?
A good part of it comes from a desire for greater work-life balance. Given that many school schedules have been dramatically changed, many women have felt they needed to stay home to help their children with remote learning. When men made changes, it was more likely to be for new opportunities or because of dissatisfaction with their current position.
It would not be surprising to learn that 41% of those who made changes did so for better pay, again according to the Motley Fool. It would, however. be more surprising to discover that 58% accepted cuts in pay. Perhaps they thought they could advance in their career by starting in a lesser position. Those in a higher position were more likely to accept a position that paid less. The opportunity to work remotely or part-time was also a motivation for accepting a reduction in salary.
And lastly, 39% reported that they had wanted to make a career change for a long time and were pleased to take the opportunity to try something new. And some were aware that many jobs will be leaving due to automation and wanted to position themselves in a more positive field before that happened.
Discover If Now Is The Time to Find Your Path During the Great Quit!
If you’re thinking about taking advantage of these unprecedented yet exciting times in the job market by either joining the Great Resignation, or are already using this opportunity to transition to a new job or career, contact Judi Lansky at jlansky@lanskycareerconsultants.com to discuss the possibilities.
