What the “Great Resignation” Means for Job Seekers

Arguably, one of the biggest changes that the COVID-19 pandemic marked on the job market was the Great Resignation. Read on to learn what the Great Resignation is, why it happened, and what it means for job seekers.

What is the Great Resignation

The Great Resignation refers to the phenomenon in the spring of 2021 when a record high of 3.8 million Americans left their jobs, an unprecedented pace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the workplace has reached a number of 4.5 million resignations as of late last year.

Why did the Great Resignation Happen

Experts believe that the Great Resignation was spurred on by job seekers looking for higher pay, better working conditions, and a healthier work-life balance. 

While these issues were all present in workers’ minds before the COVID-19 health crisis, the pandemic played a major role in addressing these concerns. As the working landscape changed to remote work, people were pushed to reassess their current position, and take action to consider other career opportunities. Many job seekers took this mass exodus from positions as a chance to re-evaluate their professional career choices and goals. 

What it Means for Job Seekers

The Great Resignation made people realize what was most important to them in their career, company, and position. It empowered job seekers to seek out roles with companies that not only paid well, offered excellent benefits, perks, and a balanced work/life environment, but also had a company culture that resonated with them on a personal level. 

With this is mind, here are a few key factors to keep in mind as you search for a new career opportunity:

Pursue a Career You Love

While benefits and salary are very important when choosing a new career, you need to be passionate about the work that you are doing. When you are fulfilled in your role and love what you do, the intangible benefits include better productivity, improved work performance, increased satisfaction, and general overall wellness.

Pay Attention to Company Culture

When applying for positions, take a look at the company’s mission, values, and statement. Do they align with your own? Is this a place where you could actively support and feel good about? When you are in sync with the company culture, it fosters better relationships with coworkers and managers, while also giving you a sense of belonging.

Keep Your Mental Health a Priority

Millions of Americans suffer from depression, and it is not something that you have to suffer through alone! Don’t be afraid to seek help and advice from colleagues and your managers. Stress can affect your life on all levels, both personally and professionally. 

Conclusion

The Great Resignation has a lot of lessons to be learned for job seekers. Take control of your job search and feel confident in what you are looking for in a career. Orion Talent can help you get there -  we help professionals and veterans find the best job opportunities with top businesses within every industry. 

Sign up for our diversity job alerts, find out more about our career placement services for veterans, or find skills-based jobs in Manufacturing, Technical, Operations & more.

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