Here’s what to ask yourself – where the The Great Resignation is concerned – to make sure your next step is the right one.

The pandemic encouraged many to do an audit of their lives. It brought a break from our entrenched routines, and with it came a recalibration of work and home, and a recognition that life is too short to be doing something you don’t love. Enter the ‘Great Resignation’. This term that was coined by US professor Dr Anthony Klotz, refers to the significant number of employees expected to leave their current roles during or towards the end of the pandemic. Pandemic-related ‘epiphanies’ about family time, remote work, commuting, passion projects, life and death have changed the way employees think about work, explains Dr Klotz of the movement. Last November, the US Bureau of Labour Statistics announced that 4.5 million Americans left their jobs voluntarily, and in the UK, as many as one in 20 people were doing the same. While local stats are still to be seen, it’s clear from social media and conversations among peers that many have resignation on their mind.

Whether you’re considering a leap or have just taken one, asking yourself the following questions will help you plan your next move.

1 How could my current job make me happy?
If you’re at the point where you’re seriously considering resigning, this step may seem futile but Foram Sheth, co-founder and chief coaching officer at one of the world’s leading career, leadership, health and life coaching companies, Ama La Vida, begs to differ. ‘If you don’t take a moment to reflect on what you need and want to avoid, you might find yourself in the same circumstances, just at a different job.’ Draw up a list and note what it would take to make you want to stay. This exercise will help you gain perspective on the personal- and workplace values, as well as the boundaries that shape your sense of career satisfaction.

2 How long have I been feeling this way?
It’s easy to underestimate the impact of the disruption and stress of the past two years. With the future still uncertain, it could be that your desire to quit is rooted in wanting to exercise some control over your life, or feel as if you are making progress. Psychologist and workplace wellness expert Lee Chambers suggests thinking back to when you were last consistently happy at work. ‘If it’s been years, predating the pandemic then it might be time to act.’ Wanting to escape a less-than-ideal working situation is understandable but if that’s your only motivation for leaving, Sheth fears you may be disappointed. ‘If we only avoid it, we will always feel like something is missing.’ Both experts recommend spending time thinking about what you genuinely want to pursue before making a move.

3 What will I gain by quitting?
‘We’re often so quick to say what we don’t like. With optimism, people tend to light up because they realise they actually have a lot to offer, explains Lee. This is an especially useful frame of thought for those who have been in their role for a long time and have potentially lost sight of their market value or skill set. Consider what you stand to gain from trying something new.

4 Can I defend my choice if others disagree?
Resignations aren’t always met with enthusiasm. Co-workers, management, even friends and family might question your decision or pass judgement. Since others’ opinions may change, or be rooted in their own fears and insecurities, ensure that you’re clear on your motivation. Write out some responses to potential disagreements. ‘I appreciate your concern, but I am content with my decision’ is a simple start.

5 Am I scared?
We wouldn’t be human if we didn’t experience fear from time to time. In fact, it’s a useful response when we’re facing important life decisions as it allows us to focus and consider consequences. Conversely, fear in excess can lead to feelings of anxiety, overthinking and clouded judgement. To combat this, Sheth suggests using a visualisation technique to gain some perspective. What would your life look like nine days, nine weeks and nine months after? ‘Sometimes we shy away from change because we worry we’ll regret it. But nine months later, it’s unlikely you’ll still be wishing you stayed. And if you do regret it, that’s okay, you can pivot again.’

Toxic workplace?
Sometimes it’s better for our overall wellness to leave a job. ‘If work is causing you significant mental or physical distress, perhaps because of bullying or chronic overwork, it may be that you have to quit,’ says Lee. He explains that if quitting is starting to feel like an act of self-preservation, then you should already be halfway out the door. Your work should never come at the expense of your health.

By Bianca Hartel
Photography: Photo by Luis Villasmil on Unsplash