What is behind the Great Resignation

Over the past two years, we have seen the most dramatic labor market shift in the last century leading to thousands of unfilled jobs and vacant workspaces. The U.S. unemployment rate shot up to 14.8% in April 2020; the highest rate since data collection began in 1948.

The national quit rate dropped by half a percent in early 2020 then shot back up in 2021 with more than 19 million people quitting their job between March and July 2021.

A Microsoft study identified that 41% of the global workforce would consider leaving their job this year. The study also found that 46% will likely change jobs for remote opportunities. Monster found that 86% of workers feel that their career stalled during the pandemic and 80% do not feel their employer offers growth opportunities.

The pandemic has caused a lot of us to refocus and reevaluate our priorities

Low wages and the desire for more flexibility and happiness are primary reasons for resigning. The other reasons millions of people are quitting are due to increased workloads, lack of flexibility, and limited growth opportunities. The pandemic has caused a lot of us to refocus and reevaluate our priorities.

To retain employees, managers need to listen to their employees, especially when it comes to remote work, work-life balance, and salary. And companies need to develop tailored retention programs that correct specific workplace issues and ensure a healthy and productive environment.

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LinkedIn 2020 Emerging Jobs Report & What you Need to Know

LinkedIn released its third-annual LinkedIn Emerging Jobs report, which pinpoints the fastest-growing jobs across the spectrum, skills associated with them, and the locations where these jobs are thriving. Take a look at the detailed report, which covers the United States and 21 other leading countries such as India, the UK, and the Netherlands. Top emerging industries in the English speaking world include AI, Blockchain, Data Security, and Customer Retention. The report is vital to anyone who wants to go further into their careers or are looking to upgrade their skill set.

AI tops all

AI continues to stand as a leading emerging job industry and with that comes emerging positions, some that aren’t even directly tied to AI itself such as real estate and business development roles. AI has created a domino effect and something that will impact many career opportunities in the coming years. For example, Engineering roles are seeing expeditious growth with more than 50% of this year’s list being made up of roles related to engineering. 

Why are professionals moving? 

Cities like Austin and Portland are among some areas where the cost of living is affordable, emerging job markets are taking place, and companies like Amazon and CVS Health are offering potential employers the opportunity to work remotely. Places like Washington DC are attracting tech talent including Data Scientists, Engineering, and Web Developers. Non-technical skills are also playing a vital role in the emerging job market. Non-automated skills like communication and creativity highly stand out to companies, so if you consider yourself an outstanding people-person, make sure you’re making that visible on your resume and LinkedIn profile.

My advice is for you to thoroughly look through the report, whether you’re thinking about making a career change or considering a move to a new city or country.