Employees Are Quitting In Because of The Favorable Job Market
The job market is looking good, but that's not necessarily his news for employers. With more and more prospects available, workers are comfortable quitting their jobs. They know there are enough prospects for them to find a better position with more favorable conditions.
How COVID-19 Changed Things
Everything about the current market ties back to the pandemic. During the pandemic, people began to learn whether or not their employers valued them. Some companies treated their employees as if they were expendable resources, while others showed how much they care for their workers.
In any case, the actions of some companies are now coming back to haunt them. If an employee doesn't feel valued, they know they can easily find another job. All of the stories about generous business owners made it more apparent that there are better opportunities out there.
One of the ways in which employers showed their true colors was in their safety measures and sick time policies. In some cases, companies offered no special benefits to employees who needed to quarantine. The workers were left with no salary for weeks at a time. Other companies took no measures to protect their employees from the virus.
Because of their treatment during the pandemic, employees already began to realize their employers didn't care about them. The poor job market meant the workers needed to stay put, but now jobs are abundant. Unhappy employees are looking to work for employers who care about them.
Chasing Happiness
The pandemic also sparked a movement towards a happier lifestyle. As the virus took effect, people learned how fleeting life could be. This made them think more about the present and less about the future. Why spend ten years being miserable at work, when anything could happen?
In this spirit, some individuals realized they needed a change of pace. In addition to wanting to find a new employer, they also wanted to get into a new industry. Now that the market is so strong, these individuals are able to quit and enter a new field. Due to the employee shortage, more companies are willing to hire inexperienced workers.
A career change is no small feat and isn't something commonly attempted. Just look at how hard it is for college graduates to get work. Without experience, these grads often end up working low-paying jobs until they catch a break. However, the risk of switching careers is now minimal. You don't need to worry about your prospects because there are so many jobs. At the very worst, you can always find a new job in the same industry.
Achieving a Better Balance
When the pandemic persisted, many employers switched to a remote model of working. This made people realize that remote work was a real possibility. Furthermore, they learned how remote work could give them a better work/life balance.
While not everyone enjoyed working from home, a large percentage of the population saw the value in it. Once they needed to return to the office, employees began to second-guess their career path. Now, there are more employees than ever looking for remote work.
And employers see the demand and are using it to attract workers. In a competitive job market, companies use remote work to attract the best talent. An employee might quit their job just to pursue a remote position. Those who don't want to work remotely still know the importance of a work/life balance. Therefore, certain individuals are quitting because their jobs are too demanding. Working from home made them realize how much they want to be with their spiders or kids.
Should You Quit?
All of this probably leaves you with a burning question. Should you leave your current position? Even though the job market is strong, quitting isn't a decision you should take lightly. You might be able to find a job now, but a short stint on your resume could make it harder to find work in the future. Despite the tempting job market, you should spend time thinking about your decision.
First, consider how long you've been with your current employer. If it has only been a few months, you may want to give it some time. There's always an adjustment period. Of course, in the case of a toxic work environment, you should leave right away.
Secondly, think of your reasons for quitting. There are good reasons for leaving a job and there are bad ones. In some cases, you can speak with the manager to address your issues. Common reasons for quitting include low pay, poor management, and a toxic environment. If you truly feel that you're quitting for the right reasons, do it.
Finally, think about what you'll do after you quit. Can you afford to be unemployed for a few weeks? If not, you should line up a new job before you quit. With so many opportunities available, this shouldn't take long.
Starting the Job Search
Whether you've decided to quit or you're just testing the waters, start looking for a new job. The first step is to get organized. Look at your resume and find ways to improve it. If you haven't kept your resume updated, add your current position to it. Once you're done, check your resume for errors.
You should also craft a cover letter. For every job, add a sentence or two that customizes the letter. Before you send off a cover letter and resume, read the job listing carefully. Ask yourself if the documents are relatable enough to the job listing.
Throughout the process, stay organized. Keep track of your applications and know when to follow up with prospective employers. Fortunately, finding a new job right now is easier than it usually is. You may not need to wait long before you get an interview and a job offer.
When you accept an offer, make sure you plan on staying employed. Only accept an offer if you have confidence that the company and job is right for you.