Millions Regret Leaving Jobs During the Great Resignation

Posted by Matin Varshochi in CareerJuly 15, 2022(Last Updated December 6, 2022)4 min read
Key Takeaways
  • The Great Resignation occurred in 2021 when many people left their jobs to pursue other career opportunities.
  • Although some people were able to find better career opportunities, others were not as fortunate.
  • Leaving a job is not uncommon. However, one should not quit their job before having another opportunity lined up because it can pose serious financial issues.
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When the COVID-19 pandemic began back in 2020, there were times of uncertainty. One of the main concerns people had was job security. However, many people decided it was time for them to try and explore different opportunities. As a result, millions of people quit their jobs in search of new career opportunities, leading to the Great Resignation. But, many have since regretted their decision to quit their former jobs.

 

What is the Great Resignation?

 

In 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak and many people were receiving government money from relief packages, some decided to rethink their work-life balance and began leaving their jobs as they were searching for new opportunities for advancement and comfortability. Thus, this movement of quitting jobs was called the Great Resignation, and it caused the resignation rate to surge. 


According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 47 million people left their jobs in 2021, turning the job market upside down and causing chaos for employers. In addition, as more people began leaving their jobs, those employees who remained at their place of work became overworked due to staffing issues. 

 

Furthermore, according to a Pew Research Center survey, the main reasons why people were switching jobs were because of the low pay, insufficient career advancement opportunities, and the lack of respect received. Additionally, the majority of survey respondents who left their previous jobs mentioned they typically found better opportunities with higher pay.

 

Despite the reasons why people left, some who quit their jobs in 2021 are now experiencing “quitter” remorse.


Why Many Are Regretting Leaving their Old Jobs


Due to the abovementioned factors, people left their jobs in 2021 to explore other options in the labor market. In addition, many were considering remote work due to the COVID risks in a physical workplace, which led to them leaving their jobs and looking for a more flexible hybrid work schedule. However, many who left mentioned they regret leaving as the job market proved to be much harder than anticipated.

 

Although the people who were surveyed by the Pew Research Center surveyed saw an improvement in their careers, others were not so lucky. Some workers who quit said they have struggled with finding a new place of work and regret leaving their jobs.  

 

Image Credit: Song_about_summer / Shutterstock.com

 

Furthermore, another 20 million people have left their jobs since the beginning of 2022, and 42% of these people said they regret leaving their jobs because this opportunity has not lived up to their expectations. The top three reasons why people regret their decision are due to the challenging state of the labor market, missing their colleagues, and their new job did not live up to their expectations.


How to Maximize Chances of Getting a Job Post Resignation

 

As those who left the job market in 2021 are experiencing times of hardship, scouring job postings is crucial in finding a new place of work. As a result, for those considering changing career paths, it is crucial to improve their resume so the possibility of finding a job is quicker. 

 

Below is a list of key factors that should be included in a resume that has proven to be beneficial to many job seekers. 


Recommended Read: Ten States to Easily Land a Job Interview

 

Template

 

Before looking at the contents of a resume in detail, the first thing that catches the eye of a hiring manager is the outline of the resume. Therefore, to make your resume stand out from the rest of the applicants, use template-building websites to grab the manager’s attention and encourage them to glance at your resume in further detail.  

 

Summary

 

This small section of the resume will give the hiring manager an idea of who you are, your goals, and how they align with the open position. It is essential to intrigue the hiring manager in this part of the resume so they will want to continue reading and potentially call you back for an interview. 

 

Recommended Read: The Best Resume to Land Your Dream Job

 

Past Experiences

 

The past experience section focuses on the applicant’s previous work experience and how the skills can be transferable to the position. When filling out this section of the resume, try to use action verbs and quantify your experience. Quantifying experiences makes it easier for managers to understand the impacts of your work and make the executive decision to continue. 

 

The Money Wrap-Up


Leaving a job is not uncommon; sometimes, it is beneficial to do so because it allows for better experiences and more learning opportunities. However, one should not quit their job before having another opportunity lined up. This could pose a serious financial risk since there will be no income coming in if a job is not found immediately. 


Therefore, if you are looking to switch jobs, find a solid job before quitting your current one. This will help you to ensure that you won’t have to endure any financial risks.

 

Main Image Credit: fizkes / Shutterstock.com

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