In case you haven’t heard the term yet, “The Great Resignation” refers to the unprecedented numbers of people quitting their jobs. September recorded the highest quit rates among Americans in the last two decades. Bankrate’s August 2021 Job Seeker Survey found that most Americans (55%) said they are likely to look for a new job in the next year.
Why are so many people resigning?
There are a number of factors from expanded government benefits to burnout from the pandemic to an abundance of available jobs. But I think it’s deeper than that. I think the pandemic shook us all to the core. It touched our most profound fears, pain, and longings, and roused them all into our consciousness. We can’t help but re-evaluate our lives and ask ourselves the big questions:
- What do I really want to be doing?
- How (and where) do I want to live?
These aren’t new questions but the force of the pandemic has accentuated their importance. I also think the added stress of the pandemic has decreased our tolerance for things that drain our energy. Work is often at the top of that list.
I applaud the record number of people who are listening to their discontent and seeking more fulfilling work.
The Great Resignation can serve as an inspiration for all of us. It invites us to get real about our lives and careers and make the changes necessary to live in deeper alignment with our true selves and what matters most.
We wish you well amidst all the change. We know you are holding a lot and we send our support. May you be well.
