5 Life Lessons You Need to Learn from the Great Resignation
What You Can Take Away from It and Use to Your Advantage
The Great Resignation has come when the world is trying to make sense of what’s happened recently and wanting to get back to how things were.
With resignation rates higher than normal, it’s important to explore what’s happening and learn lessons that can help you use them to your advantage.
1-Minute Summary Video
What is the Great Resignation?
The Great Resignation refers to the number of people either leaving their jobs to start a new career, or leaving the job market to work for themselves or to start a business because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It started in the United States, but this mass exodus has now shifted to many other countries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 47 million American workers quit their jobs in 2021.
These are not people who were laid off. These are people who have voluntarily quit their jobs.
The major segments of the workforce affected include:
- Frontline workers.
- Low-wage workers.
- Health-care workers.
- Hospitality workers.
- Essential workers.
- Business leaders.
This has had a major impact on the relationship between employee, workers, and the labor market.
With millions of workers now looking for new job opportunities, labor turnover continues to be high.
In an article in the Harvard Business Review, it questioned whether the Greater Resignation was actually the Great Rethink.
While the pandemic may be considered the main reason people have quit their jobs, it’s worth exploring what the real reasons are.
Reasons People Have Quit Their Jobs During the Great Resignation
Reasons why there’s an increase in resignations during the Great Resignation include:
- The idea of job security is no longer valid.
- People have experienced mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Other things in life beyond a job or career have become more important.
- People want more autonomy, less stress, and flexible hours.
- People desire to do something different with their lives, and want greater freedom and independence.
- People want to look for greener pastures by exploring their options.
- People don’t want to be a part of a toxic culture in any company.
If the increase in resignation rates continues, this will also influence unemployment rates and the future of many industries or businesses.
Why You Need to Pay Attention to the Great Resignation
It’s important to pay attention to what’s happening during the Great Resignation because:
- It may affect your future and the decisions you make.
- It will give you perspective on what’s important to you.
- It will cause you to self-reflect.
- It may spur you to look for ways to take advantage of the situation.
5 Life Lessons You Can Learn from the Great Resignation
Here are five life lessons you can take away from the Great Resignation and use them to your advantage, so you can make better choices to improve your life.
1. Acknowledge current trends do not have to shape your future
While you can use history and past trends to predict future patterns, you can create the future you want. This will depend on your motivation, willingness to learn, and the actions you take.
2. Make your attitude and self-care your top priorities
Block out negative news. While it’s valuable to be informed, do not inundate yourself with negativity.
Direct your energy and focus on things you’re interested in and those that will move your life forward. The health risks are significant if you do not take care of yourself.
3. Life is short, so follow your dreams
With millions of people having lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, you do not want to be an unfortunate statistic. You have big dreams.
Explore your options and make your life more than your job. Find out what makes you feel alive and give more energy to that.
4. Be willing to ask for help when needed
It’s okay to admit you’re struggling. If you’re not feeling like your normal self, explore what’s going on for you.
Identify what’s missing and what you need to get back to being yourself again. Reach out to those you trust for help and share what is up for you.
5. Continue to develop your mindset, knowledge, and skills
The Great Resignation has highlighted life can change quickly and unexpectedly. To protect yourself and make yourself immune to situations like a health crisis or changing technology, invest in yourself.
Upgrade your knowledge and skills. Continue to have a positive mental attitude so you can respond intelligently when unexpected events occur.
Final Thoughts
Every adversity brings forth opportunities. You can view the Great Resignation as a concerning trend, or you can see it as the beginning of a global paradigm change.
The life lessons you learn from the Great Resignation will help you create a better future.
Action Step: Based on what you have experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, identify what you can take away from it. Identify what you can use to your advantage and how it can improve your life.
Question: What other life lessons do you think you can learn from the Great Resignation?
Related Posts
Like This Post?
Sign up for my weekly updates and never miss a post. I’ll also send you my ebook titled, “How to Set Your Week Up for Maximum Results” as a thank-you.