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You’ve probably heard of the Great Depression, but in recent years, you may   

have heard of a similar term that reflects the opposite problem: the Great Resignation. But what is it, and why is it the cause of great regret among generations like Gen Z?  

The Great Resignation refers to a widespread trend of employees voluntarily leaving their jobs in waves, which began in the U.S. in 2021 and continued into 2022. This phenomenon was driven by several reported factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, changing work expectations, and evolving economic conditions.   

However, a recent survey showed that 80% of Great Resignation quitters regretted their decision. Though many people left to find better work- 

life balance and improve their mental health, only about half of those respondents were satisfied with these two areas in their new roles.  

The idea that “the grass is always greener on the other side” is pervasive and deceptive. In other words, just because you leave one job doesn’t mean the next one you find is going to be better.   

Please understand, we’re not telling you to continue working in poor working conditions. However, we suggest that you aren’t quick to jump ship in the vague hope that another position COULD be better.  

This potentially career-altering mistake could have serious consequences, so let’s explore alternatives to quitting. We’ll discuss how to make the most of your current job and, most importantly, how to advance your career effectively. 

Don’t let your resignation turn into Great Regret. Luckily, the experts at itec group have great advice.   

The Benefits of Staying at a Job Long-Term  

Long-term employees show that they’re dependable, which increases their chances of receiving an internal promotion and other benefits.  

Ironically, it also shows other potential employers years down the road that you’re a loyal employee, which makes you more hirable.   

The key is to stay with a job long enough to advance your career and potentially climb the ranks within the company. 

Taking on new responsibilities within a company is a learning opportunity that increases your skills and ability to improve your career prospects within the company.   

Long-term employees often reap additional rewards for their dedication. For instance, some companies offer a paid time off system that grants more vacation days to those with longer tenure.  

Other companies offer salary increases, a retirement savings matching program, or investment in a profit-sharing plan. 

All of this is only possible if you stay with a company long-term.  

Being known as a serial job hopper not only makes you less employable, but you also lose out on the opportunity to develop your professional skill set. A jack of all trades but a master of none could lead you to earn less.   

How Job Hopping Hurts Your Career  

Here’s how jumping from job to job too often can hinder career advancement: 

1. You Lose the Chance to Build a Strong Professional Network

Staying at one company or within a particular industry for a long time allows you to build a strong professional network. If you have a habit of job hopping, you’re not likely to make connections in your industry and are less likely to receive references if you need to move on. Not having connections within your industry can limit your prospective career growth.   

2. You Lack the Accomplishments of a Long-term Employee

You’re also going to have a harder time demonstrating accomplishments and contributions to previous companies. This puts you at a disadvantage when competing for jobs because your achievements don't measure up to other candidates. 

Employers typically favour candidates who demonstrate a consistent record of growth and progression. Constantly switching careers can make it challenging to show long-term commitment and development in any particular role.  

3. You Don’t Have Experience with Long-Term Projects

Many roles require involvement in long-term projects and strategic initiatives, and if you haven’t been in a long-term role, it’s less likely you have this experience.  Frequently changing jobs can prevent you from seeing projects to completion, leading to a resume lacking evidence of long-term contributions.   

4. You’re More Likely to Be Dissatisfied  

Just like how children who constantly move have a hard time adjusting to a new school and finding new friends – constantly starting over in new roles can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction.   

Remember, it takes time to adjust to new environments, build trust with your colleagues, and fully understand the company's culture and expectations or fully get a feel for the company's culture and expectations. 

You may have left one job thinking a new position would be better, only to find out you don’t click with the company’s work culture. You could also end up with more stress.  

5. Your Perception of Your Career Direction is Clouded  

Employers are more likely to question your career direction or goals if your resume shows a history of unrelated job changes. This could lead them to perceive you as someone who lacks focus or is unsure about their career path.   

It can also cloud your perception of your career direction and blur the upward trajectory that could lead to career growth and success.   

What to Do About it  

If you find yourself frequently switching jobs and feeling unhappy with your work, it’s time to ask yourself a few important questions:  

1) Is the reason you regularly job-hop due to work environments, or are you working in the wrong field? If so, how can you improve your skills to open doors to more fulfilling career prospects? 

2) Do you job-hop impulsively? If that’s the case, what personal coping skills can you develop to make more thoughtful decisions?  

3) Are you constantly seeking a better work-life balance or higher pay? Then, what conversations can you have at work to make sure both you and your employer can mutually benefit, and your overall experience improves?  

Instead of making a snap decision and jumping from one job to another, there are alternatives you can consider before you make a career-altering decision.  

Tips on Making the Most of Your Position  

When working for any company, you’re bound to run into speed bumps and obstacles – it's a natural part of the workforce. Disagreements with fellow employees, being burnt out, or simply feeling overwhelmed are all part of the work experience. Work, by its definition, is hard sometimes, even in a job you love.   

But what’s the alternative for someone eager to jump ship? After all, it’s the employer’s responsibility to retain their employees, right? While it’s true that employers play a role, but you can be a part of the solution, too.  

If you’re struggling in the workplace, whether it be due to feelings of being overwhelmed or dissatisfied, ask for a one-on-one meeting with your higher-ups.  Depending on where you work, you may have this conversation through HR, with a manager, or even your boss.   

Either way, try to come into the meeting with a can-do attitude and with a desire to find a mutually beneficial resolution. 

This conversation is not meant to be confrontational. A confrontational attitude won't create a positive outcome and will set a negative tone for the meeting. 

Here are some talking points to consider:   

● Be open about the work culture: Without pointing fingers, open up about how you feel the work culture is negatively affecting your ability to be an efficient and innovative employee.   

● Make a list of your contributions: In a situation where you feel undervalued, it’s good to offer up your contributions to the business and communicate your desire for acknowledgment. However, be open and honest in this conversation and be willing to receive feedback.   

● Express a desire for growth opportunities: Make it clear that you want to grow with the company and are willing to take on new opportunities in a scenario where your work life is overall positive.   

● Provide solutions: Take the extra step and try to come to this meeting with solutions in mind. Too often we look to others to solve our problems, but by offering solutions you think will work for you and the business, you’re showing that you’ve taken extra steps to solve the issue. This is the mark of an excellent employee.  

● Be open to feedback: This will sound harsh, but if you haven’t always been the best employee, you need to be willing to receive some feedback, including criticism. The last thing you should do is get defensive. When finding resolutions, both parties must make changes and admit faults. If you walk into the meeting “high and mighty”, you’re unlikely to reach your desired resolution. 

Itec Group is a leading expert in recruitment and market intelligence, and we ensure that businesses have the talent and knowledge they need to succeed We specialize in finding workforces for several business sectors:   

Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering  

● Application/Sales Engineering  

● Chemical & Material Engineering  

● Control Systems Engineering/Automation  

● Electrical Engineering/Technologists  

● Manufacturing & Quality Engineering  

● Mechanical Engineering/Technologists  

● Project Engineering/Program Management  

Professional Services, Operations & Supply Chain  

● Human Resources  

● Environmental, Health & Safety  

● Sales & Marketing  

● Material Planning  

● Procurement/Purchasing  

● Production Scheduling  

● Shipping/Receiving/Logistics  

● Technical Writing  

● Skilled Trades & Industrial Management  

Plant Management & Production  

● Plant Management  

● Production Management  

● Maintenance Management  

Skilled Trades  

● CNC Machinists/CNC Programmers  

● Electricians/Panel Builders  

● Millwrights/Machine Builders  

● Stationary Engineers 

● Tool & Die Makers  

● Maintenance Planning  

For more information, feel free to check out our website and contact us today.