The Great Resignation Wave Lingers: Should You Join?

Many people were keeping their heads down during the pandemic lockdowns just trying to stay on that current jobs in the times of great uncertainty. But future prospects seem bright now, and it looks like everybody wants a new opportunity.

The unusually high amount of job quits seen in the past few months is widely called the Great Resignation. Many researchers, analysts, and strategic consultants have been actively discussing the issue. In my recent evaluation of the Bureau of Labor Statistics data (https://business-and-money.net/the-great-resignation-what-does-the-data-say/) I tried to look at the numbers behind this Great Resignation talk. To put it briefly, the data shows that the tide of quits is real but is very likely to be short-lived and will subside in the coming several months.

So should you personally join the current quits flow? Should you finally try and look for a better position? Here are some major points to think about before you set sail.

First things first. The standard 4 Ps are to consider. But keep in mind that these apply at any time not just the post-pandemic quits fever.

• Passion. To my experience, the most crucial aspect of any job is whether you enjoy doing it. If your new career opportunity offers a more interesting or challenging set of tasks it may be time to think about pursuing this chance.
• Prospects. The future development outlook is at least as important for any job as its current perks are. The more exciting the vista, the more acceptable quitting your current job should be.
• Pay. Well, it’s pretty straight-forward here: if you have a promising position in the field that you find fascinating with a really nice raise offered – go for it. I mean there certainly are other things to think about – see below – but realistically money is important.
• Position. Almost the same as with the pay. Most times getting a higher post means that you should seriously consider taking it, as it’s generally comes bundled with the previous three Ps.

But all of this is pretty obvious, and I described it just to keep your thinking straight and not lose any aspect of the job change decision. Here are the two points that I think are key today.

Work-life balance. Always take into account the way your new position is going to affect your life. Landing a new job mostly means more work, at least at the start. But other factors are also vital: changing location, new transport route, longer hours, more stress – consider all of these and compare the sum of negative effects to the advantages you new job gives you.

Fitting and adapting. Changing a job always comes with risks attached. Usually, up to 50% of the success on a new job depends on establishing good relations with your new co-workers and your superiors. You may have impressive professional skills, be hardworking and easy-going and still wouldn’t be able to work out the chemistry needed to seamlessly join the new team. So be very careful to evaluate the level of stress come under in a new place and the risk of just not casually making it before you accept some insignificant pay raise.

Overall, going on with the seagoing analogy: don’t look enviously at the boats sailing away – not all of them will reach their destination, so assess your strengths, your possible benefits, and your risks before your join the Great Resignation tide.