Why More American Workers are looking to Quit their Jobs?

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The pandemic inspired Jessica Berger to leave her job after 17-years as a vice president to pursue further education in a field she was passionate about: mental health. Berger said, “It’s so crazy to just see what’s going on in the world right now. We’re obviously in such a mental health crisis but to see sports stars like Simone Biles or Naomi Osaka, all these folks who are coming out of this crisis closet to speak about their mental health; it’s just really interesting and inspiring”. Berger sent an email to her contacts in July announcing her departure. She said, “It was a very hard decision, but I think that what I dealt with when the pandemic hit (inspired me), seeing what my family, friends, colleagues, clients, everyone was going through in terms of their mental health issues”.

Berger added, “Ultimately, I feel like there’s always been this taboo in dealing with mental health issues and I just really wanted to go deeper and understand how to help all the people in my life”. The Bureau of Labor Statistics said the number of job leavers increased by 164,000 to 942,000 in June. Some are calling this period of the pandemic “The Great Resignation” as more and more workers are leaving their jobs to either pursue new career paths or focus on more personal time. Berger said, “I know I’m probably not going to make half the money that I made in PR, but I think the value of what I can bring to other people through this is more important to me right now. Also, this is the second half of my life, so to speak. Age was a factor. I mean, I’m 44. When am I going to do this if not now?”

31-years old Ally Butler was the type of person who loved being busy before the pandemic. Butler said, “I discovered this phrase, and it’s never left me because it totally makes sense with my personality: thrives in chaos. I loved having like a lot of different projects going, which is what I have always done, and then getting into the pandemic, that definitely pivoted at first”. Butler worked for 8-years at the prestigious auction house Christie’s as a tour and exhibition manager. The workload was busier than ever and overwhelming when she returned to work. She admitted to feeling guilty because she envied others who had been laid off. MagnifyMoney also reported that one in three workers are looking to quit their job and 60% are rethinking their careers.