Jumping on the 'Great Resignation' Bandwagon: What you should consider before leaping.
I was asked to post on social media - nine months ago my thoughts on predicting a “Great Resignation” due to people wanting to change jobs. Since the pandemic many people in the job market have reassessed whether or not to return to their current employer - or venture out and ‘change direction.’ Setting their hopes, ambition toward a different type of work and career realization. I will share with you my response…
Words that resonate strong - ‘know what it is you really want!’ It is easy to be impressed with big job titles, influential job descriptions and alluring salary benefit packages. After all it is tempting. However, it’s important to stay focused on main goals set. Think about what best skills and your experience already gained. Ask, how might I best communicate, or showcase valued skills into a different career workplace? Making a job or even greater challenge such as career change, requires clarity, honesty with yourself! Are you willing to possibly start at entry - mid level again? That’s where many will find themselves - especially moving into a different career path. Some folks might find that difficult - hard to consider not seeing oneself as the ‘go to expert’, already accomplished in their current position pre-pandemic.
Millions in the workforce had plenty of time to be retrospective regarding their employment-career status, and how they really feel about it. Contemplating what’s most important - work/career passion or typical job satisfaction? How shall I navigate forward? I trust, start by being thoughtful, making one intentional step at a time. Again, ‘know what you really want and go from there!’ Is having meaningful work fulfillment & engagement OR having achieved familiar job satisfaction, and comfortable with already learned skills -routines more important? It may be a case at that particular time… what compliments or fits best for your overall situation. No one can better answer this but the person you see reflected in your mirror.
Finally, take in the initialism if helpful, (F L I P) - FULFILLMENT, LEARN, INCLUSION, PATIENCE.
(Fulfillment) - Explore jobs, careers that you feel has greater potential for fulfillment, and where you can demonstrate passion for special skills, instead of forfeiting work/interest you value! (Learn) - Lean toward companies and industries that encourages learning and facilitate that in its brand & work culture. Where opportunities and practices read - echo loud & is heard, learning is most welcome in this workspace! Remember too, embrace learning at every level and profession position. Learning is always a great option not inevitable. Choose learning instead of lackluster attitude. (Inclusion) - Seek companies that ‘act’ or walk in inclusive practices. Where it is the norm! There’s diverse representation in people asset, programs, opportunities, ideas, policies, communication networks and more. One of the worst things some employees have reported they experienced at work, being on a team and felt isolated. (Patience) Be patient when making a job or career shift. Gather information, ask questions, connect with a mentor or someone you respect their message. I revel in demonstrating patience can save you from discouraging, time waste missteps. Being overly anxious in hasty pursuit to exit a job without appropriately researching a new one - will not play so well in a “Great Resignation.”
by Eartha L DeYampert, Senior Consultant