After 'The Big Quit': What's Next?

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Every day, people quit their jobs due to emotional exhaustion and chronic stress. However, the years 2021 and 2022 saw record-breaking numbers of young professionals quitting their jobs, which led economists to coin the terms “The Big Quit” or “The Great Resignation.” The trend has bled into 2023, with CNBC reporting that nearly 70% of Gen Zs and Millennials are planning to leave their jobs.  Unlike Baby Boomers and Gen X counterparts, the younger generation of workers has grown accustomed to economic turmoil and the ever-fluctuating job market. The knowledge that our jobs aren’t really secure has resulted in resilience and a can-do attitude regarding finding new employment. If you find yourself in a similar position and are unsure of what to do next, this career guide is for you.  

Career next steps for Millennials and Gen Zs 

Take time for yourself 

One of the most commonly cited reasons for quitting among Gen Zs and Millennials is burnout. As such, adequate rest and recovery is crucial before jumping back into work. According to the Harvard Business Review, effectively recovering from periods of stress, performance, or concentration is important for emotions, moods, energy, learning integration and growth, and ultimately, performance, mental and physical health, and relationships. By taking time to recharge, you’re able to reflect on what you want in your next job and enhance your focus on relevant opportunities.  

Maintain a growth mindset 

After leaving a job, remind yourself of your work achievements to maintain a healthy outlook on your previous experience. Whether you’re quitting to find greener pastures or to put your mental health first, it’s valuable to look back on the accomplishments you’ve made in your past role. Avoid telling yourself that quitting equals failure. Instead, adopt a growth mindset to see setbacks as learning opportunities that foster professional growth. If you’re still in the early stages of your career, it’s inevitable that some jobs won’t line up with your expected career path. However, no matter what your dream job is, there are skills and knowledge that can be gleaned from your previous roles and transferred to future positions.  

Upskill your capabilities 

While rest is vital before reentering the workforce, learning a new skill or ability can help you stay positive and productive when you leave your job. Upskilling your capabilities can be transformative for your career and launch you into your dream role. Maybe you’re interested in a career in tech but lack some skills required by the industry. You could look into a program like LHH’s General Assembly courses. These courses offer immersive training that spans data analytics, software engineering, UX design, data science, and more. The program also plugs you into a network of successful career shifters and can give you helpful advice for your own professional development.  

Revamp your application materials 

 A well-thought-out approach to updating your application materials allows you to better market yourself to potential employers. Laura Smith-Proulx, an executive resume expert and job search coach, suggests distinguishing yourself with success stories using data-driven statements as proof of performance. Rather than vague statements like “increased workflow productivity,” substantiate with concrete data and say, “saved $400,000 with new workflows.” This can make hiring authorities eager to contact you because it shows exactly how you added value to your previous jobs. Moreover, for those switching careers, frame your resume around the role you’re applying for and highlight transferable skills or new skills you picked up from upskilling courses.  Quitting your job can be an opportunity to prioritize your mental well-being, restructure your career path, and recharge your depleted batteries so you can take on a new role more effectively. So, use this guide to help you emerge from the process stronger and better prepared for future endeavors.  If you’re looking for a supportive community for Millennial or Gen Z professionals or want more career guidance like this, visit the National Millennial Community website!  

Written by Irene Walker for nationalmillennialcommunity.com