The workplace landscape has been experiencing a dramatic transformation in recent years, primarily due to the pandemic. The shift has led employees to re-evaluate their professional choices, looking for better possibilities, improved work-life balance, and job satisfaction. This phenomenon is called the Great Resignation, when people collectively quit their jobs throughout numerous sectors.
According to a report, an average of 4.5 million people quit their jobs per month. However, in 2023, the number had decreased to below 4 million monthly.
Retail
Retail workers, especially those in customer-facing positions, have been leaving their jobs in droves. The long hours, low pay, and challenging work conditions—coupled with the increasing demand for customer service—are pushing many to seek opportunities elsewhere. In addition, many retail jobs offer limited benefits, further contributing to employees’ decisions to move on.
By January 2024, almost 2.9 percent of employees had left their jobs, which is 0.4 percent higher than in 2019.
Hospitality and Food Service
From waiters to chefs, people in the hospitality and food service industry have been exiting at high rates. The fast-paced, high-stress environment, low wages, and erratic hours make these jobs especially tough. With the rise of remote work and flexible schedules, many hospitality workers are finding it hard to stay motivated in a field that often lacks work-life balance.
Healthcare Workers
Healthcare professionals—particularly nurses, medical assistants, and frontline workers—have faced extreme burnout due to the pandemic. While their work is undeniably important, the long hours, emotional strain, and underwhelming compensation have led many to leave or consider leaving the field altogether. The pressure is high, and for many, the trade-off is no longer worth it.
Call Center and Customer Service
The call center industry has seen a major turnover in recent years, with employees quitting due to stress, monotony, and often unsatisfying compensation. Handling customer complaints day in and day out can be mentally exhausting, and with many employees now valuing flexible work arrangements, the traditional call center job just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Education
Teachers and educational staff are also leaving in record numbers. The challenges of managing classrooms, dealing with administrative burdens, and low pay compared to the amount of work involved are leading many educators to reconsider their careers. In addition, the lack of support for mental health, especially during the pandemic, has made this job less sustainable for many.
Technology and IT Support
Despite the tech boom, IT support and certain tech-related jobs are facing high levels of turnover. Workers in this field are often leaving for better opportunities or more innovative work. The demanding nature of the job, burnout from long hours, and sometimes limited upward mobility are key reasons behind the exodus.
Transportation and Delivery
The rise of delivery services like Uber, DoorDash, and Amazon has created a boom in gig work, but it has also seen its fair share of resignations. Delivery drivers and transportation workers often face low pay, long hours, and uncertain benefits. The physical strain of the job, paired with the unpredictability of income, has led many to seek more stable and rewarding roles.
