3 Major Reasons Why People Are Quitting Their Jobs
“Take this job and shove it. I ain’t working here no more.” Johnny Paycheck’s popular 1977 song has been stuck in my head for the past few weeks. How many of us want to use this line on our bosses? Sometimes, I let my mind wander and I imagine how I would make my dramatic exit if I was ever pushed too far.
What is so captivating about this song is that it speaks to the same concerns in 2022 as it did in 1977. This song highlights the frustrations and overall unhappiness that many people are feeling in their jobs. I am by no means saying that anyone should just flippantly quit their job without thought to their next move. But I am saying from experience that there are 3 things to consider when deciding to stay or leave a job: salary and work-life balance, management, and risk of burnout.
Salary and Work-Life Balance: “My woman done left and took all the reason I was working for…”
Salary and work-life balance tend to go hand in hand. This is because judging whether or not a salary is worth it depends on how time is spent at a job. In the song, we can assume that the factory worker is dealing with his wife leaving him at least in part because of his job. Paycheck also describes the lack of regulations in the factory which causes workers to die on the job. To make matters worse, he also mentions the bills that these workers left behind, alluding to the inadequate pay of the factory jobs. The argument of modern working conditions is a separate point from this article. While there has been some improvement in the last 30 years, low pay and work-life balance are still points of contention for employees.
Working 8 hours straight with limited breaks is suffocating. It’s even worse when working after hours is considered the norm. Most jobs require some level of customer service. All employees are expected to assist people with appointments and walk-ins. The thing about working in customer service is that it is stressful. People (even when they don’t mean to be) are demanding and inconsiderate when it comes to office hours and job duties. We live in a very “me” culture. So long hours and dealing with demanding customers is demoralizing. Especially when you feel like you have no choice. The cherry on top of this crap Sunday is when you are paid poorly.
Employees are not remaining at jobs that require them to work long hours or deal with inadequate treatment. The goal is to find jobs that provide greater workplace autonomy, more individualized approaches to management, and opportunities for positive social interaction.
Poor Management: “The line boss, he’s a Fool…”
Poor management is toxic for any work environment. Paycheck’s song calls the foreman a dog and the line boss a fool. The description of the line boss thinking his flattop haircut is cool seems comically relatable. We’ve all had that one boss who is “not just your boss, he’s your friend.” In the context of the song, we can determine that the line boss and foreman are lacking in their leadership.
I recently saw a Tik Tok where a woman explained that nothing makes good employees flee faster than a manager that tolerates bad employees. I could not agree more. It is frustrating when the expectations are not the same for all employees. Arriving on time, performing job duties, and taking the same amount of breaks should be the norm. I speak from experience when I say how upsetting it is to watch a co-worker come in late, take 2-hour lunches, and leave their desk at any given opportunity. It’s discouraging because I know that I would be reprimanded if I did the same thing.
Managers are not supposed to be buddies with their employees. They are supposed to be the leaders of an office and set the standard of professional behavior. Those who encourage personal and professional development produce the most productive employees.
Burnout: “One of these days, I’m gonna’ blow my top…”
Paychecks line about blowing your top refers to burnout. High expectations and fast-paced work environments set the stage for burnout. Coupled with poor management and low wages, how can a person not grow resentful? Abrupt resignations are inevitable.
Employees in fast-paced work environments will commonly hear “it will slow down soon.” This vague reassurance will give a small comfort to those who will stay with the understanding that conditions will improve. But what if improvement never comes? All the while, people will continue to push their limits and work excessively to keep up with demands. Eventually, employees are pulling 10 or more hours a day, taking no breaks, and not getting bumps in pay.
Employers and managers who do not create a positive and engaging work culture will see more of their employees quit. We all hear our managers say “by law, I have to tell you to take a break,” but if there is little to no encouragement to take breaks many employees just keep working. Employees left to their own devices become isolated and feel undervalued. Obviously, your manager is not your babysitter to monitor your breaks and punch your timecard. But they are there to promote office morale. Employees feel more appreciated when they have support from their superiors.
In summary, people want to work in a place where they can feel appreciated for the work they do. We want to feel proud working at a company that aligns with our values and allows for growth. If you feel unsatisfied with your job and the above-mentioned points resonate with you, perhaps it is time to make a change. We all want to feel valued and appreciated for our hard work. People spend one-third of their lives at their jobs. Shouldn’t we be happy to be there?
