The Great Debate Over the Great Resignation: Should I Stay or Go?

They’re calling this The Great Resignation. A record number of employees are leaving their jobs. So, does this mean you should resign as well?

The answer is:

It depends!

My mom used to say just because everyone is jumping off a bridge doesn’t mean you should as well. You probably heard the same thing from your mom or dad.

Here’s a list of some of the reasons why leaving may be your best option, as well as a list of reasons why remaining with your employer may be the best decision for you.

1.???Passed over for a promotion. You’ve recently been passed over for a promotion and it doesn’t appear that another opportunity for you will be available in your company anytime soon. No point in waiting around. Be open to outside opportunities that are in better alignment in terms of where you want to go.

2.???You’re in an industry or a company that is struggling and doesn’t appear to be coming back anytime soon. Do you stay and go down with the ship or do you move on now, while the job market is hot? The answer seems pretty obvious to me.

3.???Your boss is a jerk. He’s not going anywhere and he’s not going to get better. Pack up your desk folks, as you’re fighting a losing battle.

4.???Your company says “our people are our best assets,” yet you and your team members are treated more like disposable assets. Best to trade up to a better employer, before you’re traded for a more promising “asset.”

5.???You’re greatly underpaid. Despite what you’re reading about companies giving employees a bump in pay, the discrepancy is way too great for you to make any headway. It’s time to cash in your chips and go back on the open market. Talent is in short supply, and you’ll most likely earn much more from your new employer than you’ll make if you stay.

6.???Your company is insisting you return to the office full-time. You’ve been receiving accolades for your work performance over the past 18-months and can see no business reason why changing your work location will be of any benefit to you or the organization. There are a ton of employees out there that are offering workers flexibility in terms of remote or hybrid work. Put your fishing line out and see what you can reel in.

Here’s why staying could be a better move for you then “jumping off” that proverbial bridge.

1.???People are leaving your company and talent is hard to find. Your company may be willing to take a chance on someone less experienced. That someone could be you, which is why you should consider approaching your boss about an opportunity that’s just become vacant. What’s the worst thing that can happen? Your boss says no and you then can decide if you want to work for the new boss in town or go somewhere else.

2.???You can do your job in your sleep. This isn’t a bad thing, considering you’re also trying to manage graduate school or balancing the needs of your family with work. There will be times in your life where not being completely challenged at work is a good thing. Trust me, I know. I spent time in a job that I mastered, while getting MBA at night. It was a relief to not be under the gun 24/7.

3.???You’re still learning new things every day. Lucky you! Many people can’t say the same. Stay in place until this is no longer the case.

4.???You’re happy at work. It’s okay to be happy at work, even if none of your friends or co-workers are. Don’t feel like you have to join the Great Resignation, as there is no telling if your next job will give you as much joy.

5.???You’ve got a great boss. She has your back and advocates on your behalf. There are no guarantees that your next boss will do the same.

6.???You’re waiting for your stock options to vest. Hey, can’t say I blame you. I did the same and was able to buy a nice piece of real estate.

As you can see, deciding whether to go or stay isn’t always cut and dry. I’ve helped dozens of coaching clients think through important decisions like the should I stay or should I go.

If you have a coach, this would be a great discussion to have with this person. If you don’t, see if a former boss would be open to being a sounding board for you.

Just don’t wait too long to decide, as there is no telling how long this hot job market is going to last!

?Matuson Consulting, 2021.

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