Should You Quit? Your Guide to the ‘Great Resignation’
Have you been considering leaving your job lately? You’re not alone! 37% of employees are open to leaving their role for other opportunities.
We’re now in the age of the “Great Resignation.” We’ll outline what the Great Resignation is, what to ask yourself, and our advice if you resign.
What is the Great Resignation?
The Great Resignation started in Spring 2021. It was fueled by the turbulence experienced post-pandemic. Some industries were decimated by the pandemic lockdowns, while others boomed. This led to many new opportunities, and the workforce became mobile (in more ways than one) to compensate. Some took advantage of new working methods, including working from home and remote working; others took early retirement. Either way, this led to many employees resigning from their jobs.
As we mentioned, there were many different reasons for quitting. But the most common is to focus on physical and mental health.
The high resignation rate means that there are more job openings. Even though there are more jobs, it’s still not guaranteed that you’ll find a better opportunity.
What to Ask Yourself Before Quitting
If you’re considering resigning, make sure you’re in a stable position first. Ask yourself the following questions to ensure you won’t regret quitting.
What is your financial situation?
First, ask yourself if you have an emergency fund as a safety cushion. If you don’t, consider keeping your current role until you have something else lined up.
Do you have any family obligations?
If you have a family relying on you to pay bills, consider your living situation without your income. Make sure you have enough income or savings to support them. If not, have a plan to make money, or another job lined up before resigning.
AmbiMi can help you find a permanent role or gig in the interim while you are job hunting.
Why are you considering quitting?
There are many reasons to consider quitting your job. Examples are a stressful environment, long hours, a toxic work environment, or wanting higher pay. Figure out why you want to resign to see if there’s another solution before leaving your role.
Have you tried everything you could to improve your work situation?
Using the results from the last question, see if you can improve your job yourself. If you’re working long hours, ask for more support. If you want a higher wage, ask your boss. Whatever it is, try everything you can before leaving.How urgent is your need to quit?
If your job negatively impacts your mental health or you’re stressed daily, leaving may be more urgent. Consider how staying until you find a new role will affect your overall well-being.
What are your career goals?
Ask yourself what your goals are to see if you’re on the right path. If your job aligns with your career goals, determine whether you’d be further along or behind by quitting. Assess how big the impact would be on your career if you resign.
What are your priorities?
Figure out what you value and where your current job falls in those priorities. If your current role doesn’t meet your values, consider what you would need from a company to be fulfilled.
If your goal is flexibility or work-life balance, consider gigging! Becoming a gig worker allows you to make your own schedule. Read about the reasons to try gig work here.
What job are you able to get with your current resume?
Assess the job market and what type of role you could get. If you can get a job that will further your career or better align with your values, it could be a sign to start your job search.
These won’t give definitive answers as to whether you should quit or not. However, they can provide you with guidance when making your decision.
How to Set Yourself Up for Success in the Great Resignation
If you decide to join the Great Resignation, remember the following to set yourself up for success:
Don’t Follow the Crowd
If everyone else is resigning for greener pastures, it can be easy to get caught up in the stampede. Make sure your justifications are sound before quitting. You don’t want to regret it later!
Remember Your Goals
Focus on quality over quantity when applying for roles. Always keep your goals and values in mind. If you take on another job that doesn’t align with your goals, you risk falling behind.
Stay Connected with Your Network
It’s always good to build a network through jobs and events. Reach out to your network to increase your chance of getting a better opportunity.
Build up an Emergency Fund
Things don’t always go as planned. It’s important to set aside some of your income in an emergency savings account. You’ll want to set yourself up financially if your next role doesn’t work out or you can’t find a job right away. Aim for around 6 months of expenses, and make sure it’s quickly accessible when you need it!
Have a Short-Term Plan
You don’t need an extensive 5 or 10-year plan. But consider what you’ll do in the short-term without a job. You could find temporary jobs until you find a career or not work at all. Make sure to base your plan on your current situation.
If you don’t have your next job lined up and need extra income, we recommend gig work while looking for a job. Gigs are a great way to explore jobs you like, learn new skills, and make extra money.
If you’re interested in gigging, download AmbiMi to find jobs instantly!
