The Great Resignation

A friend challenged me to write about “The Great Resignation” in 200 words or less.

Regarding “The Great Resignation,” consider another perspective as to why this marketplace exodus has created a puzzling dichotomy between available jobs and unemployment rates in some states. Although the Texas unemployment rate has declined with more than 13 million jobs..

The reasoning of those who have left their jobs in the wake of a global pandemic is not necessarily indicative of employees who don’t want to work because they get more money through unemployment. Instead, these resignations could reflect workers who know their value in their respective industries and chose not to work for mediocre wages that don’t allow them to provide for their families. Everyone warrants the right to examine earning potential and demand a decent living wage in the ‘home of the free and the land of the brave.’ Some call this break a sabbatical and deem it acceptable in certain income groups.

Why can’t minimum wage workers have the same privilege? Everyone has the right to quit working to obtain the necessary bandwidth to improve their knowledge, skills and abilities.

In short, it is not wise for anyone to promote the false narrative that characterizes the unemployed as lazy. Instead, we should pivot our focus from product unavailability and service deficiencies to a newfound awareness of a healthy work-life balance and worth.