It’s The Great Resignation is the term for the trend of employees quitting their jobs involuntarily after the pandemic.
This surprising trend has shocked economists and has already turned the US labour market upside-down. In August, 4.3 million Americans, or 2.9% of the total workforce, quit their jobs.
How do you decide if you should join the masses, or when it is best to quit a job?
FEMAIL spoke with Tony Gregg of Anthony Gregg Partnerships, a high-end search company that places senior and board-level positions in the UK, Europe, and North America.
He shared the five questions you should ask before you quit your job. And how to make your current job more rewarding.
FEMAIL spoke to Tony Gregg, chief executive of Anthony Gregg Partnerships. He revealed five questions that you should ask before quitting your job. (Image: Stock image)
1. Are your life goals changing?
Tony said that if you’re considering quitting your job, you should take a step back to reevaluate where you are at the moment.
He asked if the last 18 months had changed your attitude toward work/life balance.
The recruitment expert said: ‘Perhaps the pandemic has focused your mind on what’s important to you and your family?
“Maybe the chance to put your kids to bed every night is something that you don’t want to miss?”
He continued: ‘A job that requires you to commute long distances and work long hours in an office environment may no longer fit with the kind of lifestyle you wish to lead.
‘If that’s the case then a move to a job that offers a better work life balance may be the right choice for you.’
2. Is it? your employer being inflexible?
The expert in recruitment suggested that it was worth asking your employer how flexible they were during the Covid-19 crisis. And whether they could be more flexible in future.
He explained: ‘Related to this is the question of how understanding your employer is regarding your desire to work more flexibly?’
Tony suggested re-evaluating your working schedule since the pandemic, explaining: ‘Don’t just assume that because you were expected to be in the office five days a week pre-pandemic that is still the case now.
‘Many employers are offering greater flexibility over home working with a balance of three days in the office and two days working from home increasingly common.
‘If this kind of arrangement would suit you, then don’t be afraid to ask for it.
‘If your employer refuses and insists on five days a week in the office then perhaps it’s time to find a more flexible employer.’
Tony stated that it was possible to have both and that those who prefer to be in the office can find a workplace that allows them remote work.
He explained: ‘If you’re the kind of person who likes being in an office environment but whose employer has gone to 100 per cent remote working then that could equally be your cue to look for a new role.’
Tony suggested that it might be worth compromising if your work is not stressful.
He explained: ‘Finally, be prepared to meet your employer in the middle. For building culture and team unity, it is important to be present in the office.
“It also makes your career more visible to senior managers, which can open up new career opportunities.
‘Before you hand in your notice, try to work with your employer to find a balance that works for you both.’
3. Are you not being challenged in your current role?
The recruitment expert also suggested looking at opportunities for growth at work, explaining: ‘A classic sign that it’s time for a change is when a role no longer challenges you.
‘If you’re working eight hour days but can do the job in three it might feel satisfying in the short term but it’s not benefiting your long-term career profession.
‘We only develop as people when we are stretching the limits of our abilities.
“If you find yourself doing the same thing in every role, then you are not moving forward professionally.”
Tony cautioned that you should not rush decisions if you’re merely going through the motions.
He explained: ‘If you find yourself in this position don’t hand in your notice immediately.
“Use your spare moments to think about your career goals.
‘Research the recruiters who can help you achieve that, develop your network of contacts and apply for new roles.
“Only when you have a clear plan for the next steps should you make the leap.”
5. Are you able to achieve your career goals with your current job?
Tony said that it is important to think about where you want your career to take you before making a decision on your job.
He explained: ‘If the answer to this question is no then it’s probably time for a move.
‘Even if you’re happy in your current role, it’s vital to keep questioning whether it’s helping you achieve your longer-term goals.
‘I always suggest people think where they want to be in 10 years’ time and then work backwards to map out what would need to happen to reach that place.’
He recommended that you don’t stay with one company and instead, be open to trying out different organizations and roles.
He explained: ‘It’s never a bad thing to get experience within a range of organisations.
“You may find that you are able to return to your employer in a more senior position because of the experiences gained elsewhere.
‘Whenever you’re considering a career change one final piece of advice is to take your time. Before you submit your notice, make sure that you have a plan.
‘We wouldn’t pack the car, dog and kids and then decide where we want to go on holiday. But this is exactly what many of us do with our careers.’
Tony suggested setting aside time in your week to think about the direction you want your career to take.
He said: ‘It’s not always easy to create time to think about your future career, but if you can spend a few hours each week working on your professional and personal development it will put you in a strong position to make clear, effective decisions.
‘And once you’ve decided to accept a new role, never go back on your decision.
‘Employers often make attractive looking counter-offers but once you’ve signalled your intention to leave the trust in the relationship has broken.
‘The vast majority of people who do a U-turn end up leaving the business within a year because that bond is impossible to repair.’