It’s great to be employed. Being employed allows you to keep a roof over your head and feed yourself and your family. Having a job also helps you earn money to do the extra activities that bring happiness to your life, like seeing a movie with friends or taking a family vacation to someplace meaningful.
A career can also bring a sense of purpose and belonging to your life. People who prioritize purpose-filled lives over having money might decide to work in the nonprofit industry. While some individuals are financially secure, they might decide to continue to work outside their homes because they enjoy their relationships with their co-workers and customers. If you feel as though you have been unfairly dismissed from your job, then now could be the time for you to get in touch with an employment attorney.
The pandemic has played a role in decreasing demand for some types of employment while increasing opportunities for others. For example, the pandemic and the lockdowns that followed took employment away from millions of Americans in the restaurant and hospitality industries. One day, these individuals were going to their jobs in hotels, restaurants, bars, casinos, and concert halls. The next day, their bosses and states’ governors told them to stay home to help stop the spread of the virus.
In contrast, the pandemic caused some industries — especially those that are home-improvement-related — to see an increase in business. Remote workers and homeowners began requiring a home office, home schoolroom, home gym, or home playground and suddenly needed a contractor, handyperson, or several trips to a DIY big box store. They also needed to have plenty of patience because the wait times for those home improvement services were weeks to months-long due to a shortage of materials and the professionals who do the work.
Despite some jobs returning, the job-loss experience left many people psychologically and financially traumatized, believing that having any job was better than being unemployed. As a result, people decided to stay in less-than-ideal jobs to keep the roof over their heads and keep food in the fridge.
With the worst of the pandemic’s economic downturn behind us, and life returning to normal, people are re-evaluating their career and employment options. Some are taking a life’s too short work approach and leaving unfulfilling jobs as quickly as possible. In just one month in 2021, 4 million people quit their jobs. Should you be one of those people? How do you know if it’s the right time for a new job? Read the accompanying resource, by Goodwill Car Donations, for further insight.
Author bio: Goodwill Car Donations is a national organization that accepts vehicle donations. It is committed to providing disadvantaged individuals with job training, employment services, and critical community-building support.
This infographic was created by Goodwill Car Donations