The trend of mass resignations is one that deserves our full attention. In various industries, employees are reporting that they feel fed up. They are making the decision to leave the workforce and enjoy family time so that they can re-assess their purpose. This should not come as a surprise. In fact, we should expect more people to take time to examine their lives and determine what makes sense for their happiness.
The full impact of the Covid-19 pandemic will take years of evaluation before researchers can identify the myriad causes of the employment shift. One thing is clear: The avalanche of sudden deaths has taken a toll on the entire globe. We feel disconnected, lethargic, and uneasy. It has become increasingly difficult to return to how things were. We find thoughts of our loved ones racing across our minds when we least expect that to happen. With the unbidden thoughts come self-examination. We ask ourselves if we are on the right path. We question our choices. We wonder if we are truly happy. At the end of the process, we make decisions. Sometimes, we develop a new perspective that bears very little resemblance to who we were. This fuels change.
As we come to terns with our newfound perspective, we shift, pivot and make changes. Sometimes the changes defy logic and comprehension from those who know us most. Yet, we feel right with our decisions. We are propelled by a desire to control our time, work style, and activities. We yearn for the freedom to become one with nature. We miss the autonomy that comes from entrepreneurship and self-expression.
It is from this background that the mass resignations have emerged. As we process our grief, despair and sadness from the Covid-19 pandemic, we have come to the realization that we want more creative control, freedom and ownership of our time, thoughts and productivity. We think about our jobs and if there is no fulfillment from what we do, we make a change. It might cause us to relocate from where we have lived for decades, giving in to our desire for adventure and new beginnings. Whatever the reason, employees no longer feel as connected to their jobs and lifestyles as they used to be. With the temporary nature of life, we all want more. We crave the opportunity to exist differently. Pulled by an inexplicable force, we leave jobs and relationships while making dramatic changes. The only yardstick we use is to ask ourselves: Am I happy? Am I fulfilled? Is this what I should be doing with my life and talents?
Have you felt the bug too? How will you restructure your life to be more authentic and satisfied with your choices? What change will you make today to create the life that suits you?
