Did I Just Join It?
Technically, no.
In Spirit? Absolutely.
In Harvard Business Review’s article Who Is Driving the Great Resignation, apparently, people just like me are some of the biggest contributors to the massive rates of job resignation. They cite factors such as the climate of uncertainty delaying natural transitions, along with a realigning of career/life goals. When I read this article, I thought to myself, “Check, and double-check”. As you can see in the graphic below from The Society of Human Resources Management, 2021 saw a noticeable increase in resignations especially among mid-level employees aged 30-45. I land squarely in this age range if only for another year. I may not be able to explain the Great Resignation on a macro level, but I can offer you my story. If you’re thinking about making a career move, or if you want to understand us movers, read on.
After all, if you don’t spend the time now to “build your own dreams, […] someone will hire you to build theirs.”
Farrah Gray
Ten years ago I was hired as the manager of operations of a small family-owned HVAC company in Wisconsin. During my time with the company, we grew from 15 to 100 employees. We also realized a 6X growth in revenue in under ten years. By most accounts, things were going great. One root issue for me was the lack of clarity when it came to the vision and mission of the company. Simply put, I couldn’t see the full vision of the owner. This is a problem when it’s part of your job function to align and communicate that vision. That turned out to be a big problem for me. Trading my time for money is fine but not how I envisioned my career. That’s a job.
The company grew into one that had alignment issues when it came to vision and practice and I knew my days were numbered. I had known for quite some time I would not be retiring at that company. My goal had always been to make myself obsolete anyway. To create enough of the right systems, to refine enough processes, and to help put enough of the right people into the right places. I realized that reaching the level of autonomy and big picture planning I was truly passionate about was probably not in the cards for me there. It wasn’t burnout, but more like my fire was going out in that role.
A Story of Finite Resources
While the pandemic delayed the inevitable, it did afford me extra time to organize and plan my exit. It also shone a brighter light on the fact that my resources like time and energy are finite and may be better spent building my dreams. After all, if you don’t take the time now to “build your own dreams, […] someone will hire you to build theirs.” My time at the company was valuable and meaningful but I felt like time was ticking. If I was ever going to get my coaching and consulting business out of my head and into the physical and digital world, the time for thinking and planning was over. It was time for action. So I tendered my resignation.
And So I Moved On
I walked away from a generous salary and benefits package along with a potential year-end bonus. I took the leap but not without a safety net. First, I secured a job with a large online enterprise for insurance and modest pay. This would allow me to focus more of my finite energy on Level 2 Consulting.
Since I moved from one full-time job to another full-time job seamlessly, I did not technically contribute to the Great Resignation numbers found in job reports. So while I technically didn’t contribute to those reported numbers, I do feel connected to those who did.
Here are some points to consider for those looking to make a career move. Additional thoughts for those hoping to keep those movers around a little longer.
To the potential movers:
- The current employment landscape is lousy with opportunities. The balance of power has shifted in your favor if even slightly. The time could be just right (or just right enough) for you to make your move.
- Take the long view. Try not to frame everything through the lens of the pandemic. How did you feel just prior to March 2020?
- If you feel like you need to make a move, make a move. But moving doesn’t have to mean moving on. It can mean moving within. Ask your employer how you move up if that’s what you’re after. Sometimes moving down and left may put you in a place that better aligns your work with your life.
To employers and business leaders:
- Be worth following. Trading your capital for others’ time and skill simply isn’t enough anymore.
- Have an open and honest conversation with your employees. Sitting down for a level set once or twice a year has gone the way of blogging.
- Frame your organization as employee-obsessed instead of customer-focused. Be an awesome team that does awesome things. The customers will find you, trust me.