Are you considering quitting your job after the Pandemic? People are quitting jobs at an alarming rate these days and for a variety of reasons. In fact, there are so many people leaving their jobs after the pandemic that this period in time has been coined “The Great Resignation.” According to an article on Bloomberg Businessweek, “The numbers are multiplied by the many pandemic-related epiphanies—about family time, remote work, commuting, passion projects, life and death, and what it all means—that can make people turn their back on the 9-to-5 office grind.”
Employees are quitting because some want better hours, a better work environment, or better benefits. Others want to continue working from home or reduce the number of hours they work. Whatever the reason, opportunities are opening up all over the country as employees are making the decision to leave their job.
Things to Consider Before You Quit
If you’ve been thinking of quitting your job after the pandemic, there are some things to consider.
Why do you want to quit?
If you’re looking for better benefits, you want to continue working from home, or you want to reduce your hours, think about talking to your employer before handing in your resignation. Companies are losing too many employees, and they want to hold on to the good ones they have so they’re more willing to make compromises. Talk to your employer about changes you’d like to see in how you do your job. You may find that they’re more willing than you think to agree to your requests.
Will you be able to find another job?
Many companies are reducing their staff and postponing hiring because they’re still unable to function as they did before the pandemic or aren’t bringing in as much business. They don’t have the need for as many people as they did before. Quitting your job before you have another one lined up may mean a longer time of being unemployed. Many experts predict higher unemployment rates later this year, and the market is becoming oversaturated with highly qualified job candidates. This may mean it will become much harder to find work.
Will you lose valuable experience?
As companies shift to new ways of doing business, many employees are learning new skills they didn’t know they needed. You may be learning how to hold better client meetings virtually or rethinking how you do business. If this is the case, leaving your job means you won’t have the opportunity to learn these skills that will serve you later.
What will potential employers think?
Quitting your job during or immediately after the pandemic can be viewed by potential employers as a lack of loyalty or commitment to your job. This can work against you when being considered for another job. Companies want to hire employees they can count on, not ones who’ll walk out when they’re needed the most.
What if you already have a new job offer?
There are two things you need to consider when thinking about accepting a new job offer. One is the new company in a position to offer you a long-term position. They may be acting in good faith when presenting you an offer only to find that the company is not coming back as they had hoped. You may find yourself laid off shortly after taking the new job. And two, are you up for starting something new. With a new job comes learning new software programs, picking up new skills, working with a new team of people, a different commute, different hours, and different expectations. Sometimes, what you’re already comfortable with is better and easier than starting all over again.
If you’ve been thinking of quitting your job after the pandemic, think long and hard about your options before jumping ship. You may find it’s better to stay where you are.
Do You Need Help?
If you need help updating your resume, practicing for an interview, or organizing your job search information during these challenging times, consider reaching out to Rachel Schneider, CPC at Career Find to assist you.