Unemployment is at an all-time low and now is a perfect time for individuals to climb higher on the pay and job satisfaction ladder. A Better You focuses on helping individuals in the Greater Richmond area think about moving ahead in their desired career paths, whether the goal is advancing in a corporate or small company position, or pursuing an entrepreneurial dream. The time for A Better You is now!
This week’s topic is . . .
Should You Quit Your Job?
By Jerry Green
Don’t quit your job without having another lined up, goes the conventional wisdom. But in a strong economy, many often take the opportunity to reflect on their jobs and gauge their satisfaction, or lack thereof.
If you’re considering leaving your job, you are not alone. In fact, it’s likely that one or more of your colleagues is mulling the same prospect.
Low unemployment means a job-seekers market for those with valuable skills and experience. Confidence in the economy spurs risk-taking, and the expansion of entrepreneurs in the workforce has drawn more to think about joining the ranks of the self-employed or to seek better jobs and higher pay elsewhere.
According to the Wall Street Journal, nearly 3.4 million people in the U.S. turned in their two-week notice in April 2018. That figure of voluntary resignations was expected to hit 40 million last year and continues — almost double the number of a decade ago.
So is the time right for you? Clearly, this depends upon your individual circumstances. Cutting ties with your employer due to good times economically doesn’t always mean it’s a smart move.
Rather, the expanded opportunity can help you measure satisfaction with your present situation. Everyone has bad days at work, but if you wake up dreading the day ahead or sense looming negativity that extends to your personal life, it might be time to at least consider the possibility.
Here’s some data compiled by the employment-focused website JobList.com on recent statistics that might aid you in measuring your situation.
Almost half of employees confess to have considered quitting their jobs. Most cite the desire for higher pay, but many, too, note a toxic work environment. Those who lean toward quitting test the waters on the former issue by inquiring about a raise or the potential for a raise in the near future.
It took the average employee about two months from the time of serious consideration to leave their job until they proffered a letter of resignation. During that period, most had realized their desire to leave and spent the remainder of that time applying and interviewing for new jobs. When that search ended successfully, most were ready to leave.
Most, but not all, took the important step of finding solid new employment before leaving their existing job. But 35% left before achieving that goal over environmental issues such as the aforementioned toxic atmosphere, poor management and a culture inconsistent with their values and expectations. These issues were cited chief among the reasons 48% left their jobs prematurely.
Every situation is different and the choices and reasons can be highly personal. If you are thinking of leaving your job, whether for economic reasons or over workplace situations that take a significant toll on you, it pays to consider all your options and weigh your chances of finding a new job quickly.
Hot Job Profile
Physical therapist assistants/aides 2018 median pay: $48,090 per year ($23.12 per hour)
Number of jobs in 2018: 148,200
Job outlook, 2018-28: 26% (Much faster than average)
Employment change, 2018-28: 38,000
The role: Physical therapist assistants and aides work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists.
Education required: Physical therapist assistants entering the profession need an associate’s degree from an accredited program. All states require physical therapist assistants to be licensed or certified. Physical therapist aides usually have a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training.
The need: Demand for physical therapy is expected to increase in response to the healthcare needs of an older population and individuals with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
