The Great Resignation

You’ve probably read the same articles I’ve seen in recent weeks about the massive shift in American attitudes toward work, triggered by the COVID pandemic. Four million people quit their jobs in July alone. Resignations are highest among mid-career employees. Fifty-five percent of the American workforce say they are seriously considering a career change or are at least unwilling to go back to what they experienced pre-pandemic. There are several factors at work here.

1) Some of the underlying social structures that support working parents have collapsed (i.e. in-person schools, childcare) and families are forced to make less than desirable choices.

2) Working from home has taken a far higher toll than many expected. There is no defined end of the workday for many, and the illusion of work/life balance has been decimated.

3) Companies who don’t practice what they preach are being exposed (“Our people are our most valuable asset.”) so some folks are no longer willing to work for those businesses.

4) Workers in health care, education, and the service sector who were hailed as “heroes” at the beginning of the pandemic have since discovered they are expendable in the pursuit of profits. People are leaving (or considering leaving) these professions in droves.

5) Perhaps most significantly, the somber realities of a global pandemic have prompted many to reflect on their deepest and truest values and priorities. While work can be a significant source of meaning and satisfaction, many have concluded their jobs have grown to consume more time and mental energy than they are willing to give going forward.

In the face of all these realities (and more), we are seeing a tsunami of transition. Until recently, Second Rodeo has been more narrowly focused on end-of-primary career transitions. We are now seeing a wave of people looking for help at other career stages. Making a jump from one career to another, especially when income is still a primary concern, can be scary for a number of obvious reasons. Perhaps understanding the relative scale of options might be helpful. I’ll offer this analogy to illustrate.

When we hike here in Colorado, it’s not uncommon to encounter a mountain stream between you and your destination. The stream might be small enough to simply leap across, especially in the fall. I hate hiking with wet feet, so the next option would be to find a shallow crossing with stepping stones. Or sometimes you’ll find a fallen tree that you can walk across, but a wet log is slippery. But once in a while, you have no options except to wade in with no real idea of how deep or swift the water will be and just hope you don’t step in a hole.

Let’s use this image to understand the relative risks and costs of career changes, realizing our choices will be influenced by our age, financial standing, and appetite for change.

1) Easy leap–If you enjoy the work you’re currently doing and are motivated to leave because of an unhealthy company culture or boss, a similar position in the same industry or an adjacent industry is a logical next step, with relatively low risk and emotional cost.

2) Stepping stones–If you are looking for a bit more change, then exploring interesting options that will require additional training or credentialing might be for you. My caveat here is that we personally see our skills as more transferable than a recruiter or hiring manager would. Pay attention to the experience and skill set of a new job in order to be considered. You’ll get one chance to showcase your skillset. Don’t assume others will see you as you see yourself.

3) Slippery log–You might be interested in options for which you are not currently qualified at all but believe you would eventually excel. I think of my own move into executive coaching about twelve years ago. I had significant experience in work I considered coaching-adjacent, and knew I enjoyed one-on-one work immensely. So I was willing to spend the time and money for executive coach training and accreditation. I also became certified in several key psychometric assessments to build out my “toolbox.” It was exhausting. Money was tight. It took almost a year of evenings and weekends, during which I continued in the job I held at the time. But I persevered.

4) Wade in the deep water and get really wet–It is certainly possible to make major changes, as long as one is willing to evaluate and accept the cost and risk. An example would be someone who decides to revive her dream of becoming a physician in her mid-forties. This is a season when financial and family responsibilities are often at their heaviest. Success for her would demand the support of her family and a willingness to pay the financial, emotional, and relational price. It might take a year or more of brushing up on those pre-med subjects just to do well on the MCAT. Of course, acceptance to medical school isn’t guaranteed. One should expect such a decision to draw criticism from family and friends who are risk-averse and tied into the status quo by their own excuses/reasons. It would take significant grit, focus, and more than a smidge of luck to accomplish, but it is not impossible!

There are many other options, including starting your own business. Your existing skills and experience (or need/desire to develop them) will almost always dictate how big a leap you’re willing to take.

Without some sense of scope, it’s easy to make small challenges look impossible and major challenges look easier than they are. Finding a group of people who know you well, a personal advisory board, is a great way to get perspective from people who are in your corner, yet willing to ask the questions you might avoid on your own.

It’s relatively easy to talk ourselves into playing it safe for a few more years. But the misery of being in a role that doesn’t fit anymore will make those years seem like decades. Whether you’re looking for a way to leverage your success in your primary career as a way of finding deeper significance in that third stage of adulthood, or making a move away from a job/lifestyle that is no longer sustainable, we’re here to support you.

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