The last couple of years have been surreal. They have been difficult and strange, but they have also changed the way we look at our lives, our time, and the world we live in.
There is no greater proof of our changed way of thinking than the “Great Resignation of 2021”. That is the term used for the millions who are quitting their jobs in every area of the workforce. It carries a tone of defeat. But is it really a great resignation? Maybe it is actually a great resolution.
What is The Great Resignation?
You may wonder why people are talking about the “Great Resignation”. Don’t people quit their jobs all of the time? Let’s look at some facts to establish that the “Great Resignation” is actually happening.
The great resignation became obvious in August when 4.3 million people in America quit their jobs followed by 4.4 million people quitting in September. This is not just happening in the US. In Japan, the “Lie Flat” movement is also seeing millions quit their corporate careers, pursue minimalism, and follow passion careers.
What Is Motivating People to Quit Their Jobs?
There are several reasons that all types of people are deciding to quit their jobs. Some leave because of health concerns while others are burnt out. But that’s not what is driving the great resignation.
Most of the people who are leaving their 9-5 jobs are doing it because they seek purpose and fulfillment in their work.
They want to spend more time pursuing their passions. A need to be authentic and make a difference is telling them that they need to quit running in the hamster wheel designed by “the man”.
A lot of people that had to cut down on expenses during work cut-backs also found that a simple life costs less money and leads to more fulfilling uses of their time.
Why Is the Great Resignation Really the Great Resolution?
So how did so many people get a new viewpoint, that made them desire a fresh start, at the same exact time? To put it simply, they had some time off.
When we were all stuck at home some of us watched TV on the couch. But most of us pursued interests we had been putting off for a long time. Tons of people picked up their musical instruments, started painting, learned a new craft, or began writing.
The next logical step for many of us was to see if we could take our skill to others and make a little money too. Since we were isolated a lot of this happened online and suddenly millions of 9-5 lackeys became creatives. Some are even sharing their skills on Instagram, blogs, Youtube, and Teachable.
This change of viewpoint has made many who returned to work for a time find their work meaningless and depressing. They turned in their resignations, not because of a feeling of resignation, but rather a feeling of hope. They now had a “great resolution” to do something that meant more.
How Do You Make a Great Resolution?
It sounds exciting, doesn’t it? But how do you make a great resolution? The key lies in knowing yourself.
What are you good at? Is there something that you do that makes you lose your sense of time? If there is something that you do that puts you in that “state of flow” odds are that is your passion.
Next, you need to figure out how your passion can help others and what the best way to bring it to them is. This could be online. It could be in a brick-and-mortar store. It could be in collaboration with others. But remember this question: “How can the thing I love to do help others?”
After you have figured that out all you have to do is work hard. Improve your skills. Learn new skills to bring your talent, knowledge, and ability to others. Find out how you can make money doing it. And put the work in.
What is My Resolution?
Even though I own my own business cleaning houses, I would count myself in with the Great Resignation. I haven’t resigned, I am still cleaning houses to pay the bills. But now, for the first time in a long time, I see something beyond cleaning. I have a great resolution.
What is it? To put it simply, I love to write and I love living simply so I want to help people enjoy all the amazing benefits of a simple life!
My goal is to help people see that minimalism can help you be financially stable with less work. I want to help people un-bury themselves from all the burdens of shopping, clutter, and living at the edge of their means.
Because of my passion for writing and the simple life I am working hard to help others while creating a more meaningful and flexible career for myself. That is my great resolution!
What Will You Do?
So are you part of the great resignation? Have you quit your job or are you working towards a new goal that will change your career? Are you simplifying your life so that you can trade less time for money?
I have a good friend who has always loved to paint. She is a great artist but her talents were limited to giving manicures. She became an online art teacher.
My chiropractor’s wife got back to painting during lock-down and now she is selling her paintings from her own website.
Another friend of mine is selling gorgeous handmade bags, pins, and hair clips on her blog/online store.
Countless other friends of mine have shifted to more meaningful careers during the last couple of years.
The dream is real. I’m not telling you that you don’t have to pay your bills but you can think about a change. Millions of people are learning that a simple life can help them live a real-life and have work that matters.
What about you? Will you be part of the great resignation or will you ease away from the daily grind more slowly? Either way, what is your great resolution? How can your talent and passion help others? How can it change your life?
About the Author: Jessalynn Jones writes her blog Doable Simplicity to help you simplify your life. She wants to help you make the minimalist lifestyle a way of life that brings you joy and freedom as you reach your big picture goals!