Since the pandemic, there has been a mass realization that life is too short to work a job they hate and sit in an office for hours and hours at a time. What experts are calling “The Great Resignation” millions of people are quitting their jobs in search for something that better fits their desired quality of life.
According to NPR, “people are leaving their jobs in search of more money, more flexibility and more happiness. Many are rethinking what work means to them, how they are valued, and how they spend their time. It’s leading to a dramatic increase in resignations — a record 4 million people quit their jobs in April alone, according to the Labor Department.”
If you’ve been thinking about leaving your job instead of returning to full time in office work OR if you’ve realized over the past year that maybe there is something better out there for you, you are not alone. Below are a few things to consider when leaving your job to find something better.
Time
If you’ve gotten the chance to work remotely during the pandemic (or any other time) you’ve probably noticed how important your time is to you. Having a little extra time to sleep in or enjoy dinner without sitting in traffic is nice. People are realizing that time is valuable and because of that, it’s necessary to find a job that gives you a good work/life balance. If you’re looking for a new position, consider how much time you’ll have to yourself. Ask yourself if you want to work a job that requires 50-60 hour work weeks or a job that is 40 hours at max. It matters.
Salary
Less work, more pay is what many people have been looking for these days. Once upon a time it was easy to take a job that had a low salary because you just needed something. In these times, it’s becoming more of the norm to request a higher salary and negotiate based on your terms and experience. What kinda of salary do you need in order to live the life you really want to live? What do you need your take home to be so that you can pay your bills and afford extracurricular activities?
Benefits
With Biden’s healthcare plan, you can get insurance outside of your employer but it’s good to consider what other benefits may come with your job. Some employers are offering three weeks of vacation, others are offering meditation rooms and sponsored therapy visits. Benefits are not just about healthcare anymore, they are about the other perks your job can offer you. Things that make your life better while you work.
Dress Code
Depending on your industry, a dress code may or may not be an issue. Some offices are more business casual while others have a “come as you are” code. Consider how you want to dress at your new place of employment. More relaxed? Do you like dressing up? How do you feel about your employer telling you how to dress? You have options now, choose what works for you.
Flexibility
Similar to the concept of time, flexibility is something to consider when assessing how to thrive in your career. The pandemic provided an opportunity for people to do their work on their own time. Work in the morning, from home, in their pajamas, take a nap mid day and then get back to work in the afternoon. Going back into the office may strip away some of the flexibility we’ve become accustomed to. Also, there are jobs that don’t allow for frequent time off or are very rigid and specific in their reporting hours. Think about what you want from your job when it comes to being flexible. Do you want to work at a place that will allow you to take off for vacation when you need it? Do you need employers who will be understanding if you have an emergency or family situation? Consider this when interviewing!
No matter what, if you find that you are a part of “The Great Resignation,” remember that you have options. Good luck!
If you’re looking for more ways to save money, live in comfort, and upgrade your quality of life, sign up for our waiting list to be the first to know when our new Coliving spaces become available!
