By: Michael Crooks
As the pandemic continued to wreak its turmoil this year, millions of people throughout the world began quitting their jobs.
The phenomenon has been markedly clear in the US, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics revealing that four million Americans resigned from their job in July alone.
So why?
The “Great Resignation”
According to the Harvard Business Review, the COVID-19 pandemic may be behind what is being called the “Great Resignation”.
After months of job-related pressures and insecurities, as well as working-from-home “burnout”, many workers have been seeking better futures.
Now an Australian recruitment expert believes that that wave of quitting could be about to splash on to Australian shores.
Erin Devlin, an award-winning recruitment industry leader, said that experts predict the mass resignations will continue, including in Australia.
Ms Devlin leads a team of recruiters as the managing director of the Victorian branch of the people2people recruitment agency.
As lockdowns gave employees time to reflect on their working conditions, mental health and job satisfaction, many sought change.
“Some sources are anticipating that millions will quit their jobs this year,” Ms Devlin said.
Employee’s market
And because unemployment rates in Australia are at record lows – 4.5 per cent against a 30-year average of 6.78 per cent – Ms Devlin, whose own career path included being a professional ballerina and flight attendant, describes it as an “employee’s market”.
So for those who have been inspired to re-boot their lives in the wake of the pandemic, and are thinking about joining “the great resignation”, Ms Devlin has some advice to find a career that offers fulfilment, security and happiness.
Job seeker tips
According to Ms Devlin, who wrote the 2021 book Get the Job You Really Want, there are several things job seekers need to think about when they are looking for their next role:
Aligning career plans with life plans
“Take some time to think about your values,” Ms Devlin said.
“Understand your motivations and set career goals to determine your next direction.”
Research what an employer can offer
Known in the recruitment biz as an “EVP” – Employer Value Proposition.
“Do the prospective employer’s values align with yours?” she said .
”Is it a diverse workforce where your work will be meaningful? Will they offer you career progression?”
Manage the offer
“Just because you’ve received an offer, you don’t have to accept it,” Ms Devlin said.
“Learn how to negotiate on the package offered and accept terms that you are happy with.”
Don’t be afraid of change
“It’s OK for your career to be non-linear,” Ms Devlin said.
“Maybe it’s time for a new industry or role?”
Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.
Feature image: Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash