The Rise of the Great Resignation

In 2021, over 47 million Americans voluntarily left their jobs, a phenomenon dubbed the “Great Resignation.” But why? Is it burnout, a desire for better work-life balance, or simply the pursuit of passion?

Burnout is Real: According to a Gallup survey, 76% of employees experience burnout at least sometimes, and 28% say they feel it “very often” or “always.”

Remote Work Shift: The pandemic changed how we work, and many realized they don’t want to go back to the office grind.

Chasing Passion: A survey by Microsoft found that 41% of the global workforce is considering leaving their current job to pursue something more fulfilling.

The Myth of “Follow Your Passion”

We’ve all heard it: “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” But is that really true? Or is it just a romanticized idea that leads to disappointment?

Passion vs. Reality: A study by Stanford found that only 20% of people have a clear passion, and even fewer can turn it into a career.

Financial Pressure: Quitting to chase a dream sounds great until the bills pile up. Not everyone can afford to take that risk.

Hustle Culture: The pressure to turn hobbies into side hustles can turn passion into stress.

Is It Really About the Job?

For many, quitting isn’t just about the job itself—it’s about seeking a better quality of life. But does leaving really solve the problem?

Work-Life Balance: A FlexJobs survey found that 27% of people quit because they wanted more flexibility.

Mental Health Matters: The American Psychological Association reports that 79% of employees experience work-related stress, leading many to prioritize mental health over a paycheck.

Family and Personal Time: The pandemic made people realize the importance of spending time with loved ones, leading to a shift in priorities.

The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

Social media plays a huge role in the quitting craze. Seeing others leave their jobs to travel, start businesses, or live their best lives can create a sense of FOMO. But is the grass really greener?

Curated Reality: People post the highlights, not the struggles. Quitting isn’t always as glamorous as it looks online.

Comparison Trap: Constantly comparing yourself to others can lead to dissatisfaction with your own life.

Pressure to Keep Up: The desire to “keep up” with others can push people to make impulsive decisions.

What Happens After You Quit?

Quitting can feel liberating, but what comes next? For some, it’s a fresh start. For others, it’s a harsh reality check.

New Opportunities: Many find new jobs with better pay or flexibility. A LinkedIn survey found that 33% of job switchers saw a salary increase.

Entrepreneurial Dreams: Some start their own businesses, but not everyone succeeds. The Small Business Administration reports that 20% of new businesses fail within the first year.

Regret and Uncertainty: A Joblist survey found that 26% of people who quit during the pandemic regret their decision.

Is Quitting the Right Choice for You?

Before you hand in your resignation, consider these questions:

Why Do You Want to Quit? Is it burnout, lack of growth, or something else? Understanding the root cause can help you make a more informed decision.

What’s Your Plan? Do you have a new job lined up, savings to fall back on, or a clear path forward?

Are You Ready for Change? Quitting can be exciting, but it’s also a big change. Make sure you’re prepared for the ups and downs.

Have you ever thought about quitting your job? What’s holding you back—or pushing you forward? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Why Does Everyone Want to Quit Their Job?