The signs are everywhere. They’re in the window of your favorite coffee shop. They’re stuck in the ground outside the local car dealer. And before you even get to the produce section of your grocery store, it’s a stanchion sign that reads:

“Join Our Team.” 

Then, in bigger letters, “Now Hiring.”

If you need a job right now—any job to help you pay the bills—it shouldn’t be hard to find one. Only, our generation doesn’t want just any job. In fact, the pandemic has made this clearer to us than ever. All our time in lock down and, for some of us, working from home—has given us a chance to name what really matters in our lives. And, it’s not our jobs. At least not in the format we’ve known. 

If you need a job right now—any job to help you pay the bills—it shouldn’t be hard to find one. Only, our generation doesn’t want just any job.

That is why our country is experiencing what is now being called, The Great Resignation. If you’re wondering why it took forever to get your food at the restaurant the other night, it’s because four million people quit their jobs this past April. 740,000 of them were in the hospitality industry. And so far, they’re not coming back.

Those who were in high stressful, low-paying jobs were given time to re-evaluate their careers in the first wave of the pandemic. But they’re not the only ones. All of us to some degree have experienced what researchers call, “Turnover Shock.” A life event that causes one to reflect upon one’s life choices. In this case, it’s our career choices.

Where in our pre-pandemic reality it may have felt daunting to imagine a different life, now it feels necessary.

The pandemic slowed all of our lives down just enough for us to consider what it would be like to have more free time, less of a commute, and even, entirely new vocations. Where in our pre-pandemic reality it may have felt daunting to imagine a different life, now it feels necessary.

So how do we make sure we land in a job where we’ll be content?

The simple, obvious answer is, we can’t—at least not with one hundred percent certainty. But there are some important things that can help us make a good, informed decision. Before I share these things though, I have to also mention—sometimes, we need to stay. 

A number of years ago, I was in a difficult situation in my job, and through prayer realized there was still work to be done right where I was (for others, and in me). I share a little bit about that part of my journey here. Sometimes, our contentment comes not from our escape, but our willingness to work things out.

Sometimes, our contentment comes not from our escape, but our willingness to work things out.  

Other times, we absolutely need to leave. The writing is on the wall. We’re spinning our wheels at a job that isn’t leading anywhere, nor is it enabling us to live the life we want to live outside of work. For some of us, the environment we’re in, is toxic. 

If this is where you are, before you make a move, take some time to name what matters most to you. Identifying your values will help you more quickly decide if a new company and its values align with the life you want to live. 

Second, get real about why your current job isn’t a good fit for you. Is it the hours, the leadership, the lack of growth opportunities, the social dynamics, or are you no longer invested in the work you do there. Any and all of these things are important to know, so you’re not accidentally choosing the same problems, just somewhere else.

If the pandemic has made you rethink what you do for a living, you are in the company of millions. The good news is, you are not alone.

Finally, remember your strengths and passions. The talents and skills you possess. The jobs or roles that light you up inside. These will all help point you to a job that will be a better fit for you in the long run. Of course, it may mean staying where you are or getting a part time job while you go back to school for more training for that job. But, if you’re going to make a career change, you want to try to choose one you can stick with for years to come.

If the pandemic has made you rethink what you do for a living, you are in the company of millions. The good news is, you are not alone. There may be jobs others have left that would be perfect for you. And it’s very possible, now is the time for you to make your move. 

Just do it thoughtfully.

How has the pandemic made you rethink your career path?

Is your job situation one in which you need to stay? Or go?

Friends, this weekend I am sending out an email to all my email friends, sharing all my favorite fall links (recipes, books, etc.). If you haven’t joined my email community yet, Sign up here .

Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash