Have you been reading about The Great Resignation? Droves of people are quitting their jobs, much of it as a result of the pandemic. While lots of factors play into their decisions, including child care challenges, it sounds like workers have discovered the joys of a slower pace and aren’t going back until they find something with more balance.
You’ll notice I didn’t say work-life balance. In one job, I wrote talking points for the president of the company about his efforts to change the culture of the workplace. He asked me to “socialize” them with other executives, and one VP took issue with the term work-life balance. He said, and I quote, “Work is life.”
As for resigning, we get it, don’t we? One of the reasons I retired earlyish is because the rat race was wearing me out, too. But I was 62, and my husband and I had enough money saved to presumably last the rest of our lives. These are young people gambling with their futures … holding out until employers bend.
I’ve never understood why 40 hours a week isn’t enough. In my last job, you were expected to put in at least 50, preferably more. My boss had some sort of document readily accessible on her smartphone that could instantly tell her who was putting in the most unpaid overtime … and who wasn’t.
She would check on weekends to see if your Instant Messenger light was green, which usually meant you were online and working.
Granted, I was highly compensated, but my hourly rate was down there with fast food. Not really, but you like to think you’re paid more because you bring extra value, not because you are willing to give up having a life outside of work.
Fast food reminds me of a funny story.
We had just returned from working abroad, and I interviewed for a job at an insurance company in Columbia, S.C. They made an offer, and I countered.
I made more money than that at my last job working in Egypt.
Well, that was overseas. You can’t compare us to overseas.
I made more money than that when I lived in Alabama.
Well, that was aerospace. You can’t compare us to aerospace.
I accepted the job anyway, but when I later told the story to a coworker, he said his response would have been:
I made more money than that when I worked at Captain D’s.
Well, that was fast food. You can’t compare us to fast food.
That story still makes me laugh.
Anyway, I want the workers to find their bliss, but I can’t say I have much hope. I suspect they’ll enjoy some time off, run out of money and once again be at the mercy of the man.
It’s a tough predicament, and I have no love left for what’s become of the workplace, but I have some amazing memories and am still exceedingly grateful for all my experiences.
And the money. Oh, and retirement. Definitely retirement.
Definitely retirement! I second your wish that workers who have left their positions find what they are looking for.
I’m guessing some will but most won’t. Still, we can hope.
“Work is Life”. That is the saddest thing I have ever read. I feel kinda sorry for that guy. And I was someone who truly enjoyed most days of my work life.
Deb
I remember that guy well. He was charming superficially but not really anyone you’d want to work for.
I live in Ontario where the provincial government is proposing new legislation that protects workers who turn off emails, messaging etc after 40 hours. There’s no mention of how managers and executives will be protected! Too many of us retired because of long hours in senior ranks were not adequately recognized.
Oh, Canada! She says with envy. The U.S. is one of six countries with no national paid leave.
I find this latest mass exodus from unfulfilling jobs fascinating. I really hope it lasts until a better work situation (money, culture, and hours) is found. When I retired at 58, I left a really good job that I enjoyed. What I didn’t enjoy was the expectation that I’d always be available, even while on vacation. My already retired husband and I no longer needed to acquire money so I said good-bye. I’ve never regretted that decision.
I retired from a job I loved for similar reasons. The workload was unforgiving, and my suggestions for ways to make it work were refused so as not to appear to be making things easier in the executive suite than across the organization. But in reality I was one of the very few working 50-55 hours per week (at the age of 65), while other departments were at happy hour socializing. I won’t say I never regret it because I do still miss some aspects of my job. But I am loving retirement, full stop.
I saw that, too. Lots of different work cultures within a single company, depending on where you worked and who you worked for. I don’t miss it.
Pretty much the same thing with me. We worked a 9/80 week, meaning we got every other Friday off. However, my boss expected us to work on off-Fridays. You were never truly off.
I preferred concentrating on who was getting quality work products done on time, and not clock watchers. Oh, I hated working for/with people like that. Your post reminded me of how great it is to be retired. And, I really do wish these resigners all the best. They certainly have courage!
So true. Writing this post reminded ME of how great it is to be retired.