A phenomenon, dubbed the Great Resignation 2021, by Anthony Klotz, has exacerbated the country’s workforce crisis. Since that time, there have been millions of more job openings, than people to fill them. These statistics bode well for employees who find themselves dissatisfied in their current employment situation.
The reasons people leave their jobs vary. For some it is a planned departure for personal reasons, like the birth or adoption of a child, retirement, move to a different city or state, a health condition, or an unexpected opportunity. For others, it is not planned.
The unplanned reasons are often caused by dissatisfaction with the current employer, supervisor, or position. It may be a disconnect between the employer’s stated values and practices, or a disagreement with the direction leadership is taking the company. Or, you may have an unsupportive supervisor, or be dissatisfied with your pay. For others, you may feel like you have plateaued and you have limited promotional opportunities.
There is hope. The workforce crisis is resulting in businesses becoming more aggressive in hiring practices that may include signing bonuses, increased wages, additional benefits, flexible schedules, and onsite daycare, to name a few examples.
So, how do employees know an unplanned departure may be in their future? For many, it is a gut feeling, resulting in a decision to enter the job market. However, for others, it can be traced to an incident or series of incidents that signal a need to consider their options.
Here are some signs that it may be time to consider your next opportunity and take advantage of the workforce shortage:
1. The culture is changing, due to a change in business practices.
2. Leadership is making decisions that no longer align with your personal values.
3. Your business is losing money or restructuring.
4. Your boss hires someone with credentials and experience similar to yours.
5. Regular 1:1 meetings with your boss, are often cancelled.
6. Your boss doesn’t respond to your emails, or worse, she doesn’t even read them.
7. Your boss asks your permission to record your 1:1 meetings (it happens).
8. Your boss is fired.
9. You are frozen out of meetings you have typically attended.
10. You can’t get the human capital or other resources you need to be successful.
There could be a myriad of other signs that may be unique to your business or its culture. In these challenging times, employees at all levels need to keep their eyes and ears open and be ready to control their future.
Keep in mind this quote from the great inventor, Alexander Graham Bell, “ When one door closes, another opens.”
If you are seeing signs that your door is closing, EXCELERATE is your trusted resource in helping you find the open door.
Take advantage of our complimentary one-hour consultation for a career review, or an opportunity to discuss career challenges you may be experiencing.