Written by: Rebecca Mason, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
The World Economic Forum estimates nearly 40% of American workers are about to quit their job. Why?
Because after a year and a half of working from home, employees got a taste of the sweet, sweet life of remote work. As companies start inviting their workers back to the office, they are getting a lot of pushback. But why now?
For years people have been unhappy at their 9-5s, feeling underutilized, overworked, and wanting a change. However, humans naturally dislike change and, therefore, usually stay stuck forever — Stuck in poorly fitting jobs, bad relationships, or crippling debt. Change is hard (it threatens our ego) so, we normally forgo it and stay unhappy instead of switching things up.
Then the pandemic happened. COVID-19 forced change upon us. We had no choice but to work remotely, turn the spare room into a home office, and balance family and work. When the change was forced upon us, we were suddenly freed from numbing stagnation! We were back on our feet, adapting, reacting, and making things work.
We got the hang of it! We learned to love the extra time we saved from commuting, the diminished stress once fueled by someone looking over our shoulder, and the joy of working with the cat on our chair and our kids nearby.
We learned we can change and that change isn’t so scary…
So, what do you do now?
Your 9-5 is reopening its office doors and inviting you back.
The same radio DJs are prepping traffic updates for your commute.
The old Tupperware is washed and ready to hold your bologna sandwich.
It’s starting to sound like a bad relationship, and you hate to think you survived a whole pandemic just to go back to the way things were.
One option is that you pivot. You join The Great Resignation movement, say goodbye to your 9-5, and really give remote work a solid go. Take all the lessons you learned from zoom meetings and become a full-time digital nomad. Start an online contracting business or become an independent consultant! Imagine never stepping into an office again, rarely filling the car up with gas, and being home when your kids come in after school.
A life that you once thought was out of reach, not for you, or only for millennials, is now sitting in your lap. Your home office is already set up. Now all that is left is choosing between what you think you should do and what you truly want. Luckily, you’re not alone. If the silver lining from this pandemic is that you were thrust into remote work and fell in love with it, then join 40% of American workers and resign.
Rebecca Mason, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Rebecca Mason is a business coach for virtual assistants. She runs the successful Laptop Freedom Program, which empowers women to embrace their dreams and build a remote business. Join thousands of other women in learning how to start your business, find clients, and develop the skills you need. Sign up for her free guide at thewanderlustva.com.
