Women today are facing unprecedented pressures in the workforce, and the glass ceiling is only the beginning. Aside from obvious issues such as higher pay and better work-life balance, many women are quitting their jobs to make lateral career moves to avoid the glass ceiling or changing political climates. According to recent data from the Momentive/CNBC Women at Work Survey, the most prominent factor why women are quitting their jobs is stress. Here is what research show as to why women are leaving their employers and what one can do to prepare for the eventual departure:
Job Stress and Burnout
Longer working hours, overwhelming workloads, and fears of recession are significant contributors to burnout. Some women have delayed asking for raises, promotions, or time off, while others have taken on longer hours to secure their positions. Stress leads more than half (56%) of women to report that their mental health suffers due to job stress, while 41% of women considered quitting their jobs, citing work stress as a reason.
Higher Pay Opportunities
Over half (52%) of women considering quitting their jobs are motivated by the prospect of higher pay. The gender pay gap: Forbes reports that women earn 16% less, or only $0.84 to every man’s $1.00. In rural areas POC earn even less, with rural Black and Hispanic women making just $0.56 cents for every $100 that rural white, non-Hispanic men make). Despite the presence of pay transparency laws mandating companies to publish salary ranges, only 12% of women have used this information to negotiate a raise.
Work-Life Balance
Juggling family and childcare as well as a personal life drives 48% of women to prioritize work-life balance when thinking about quitting their jobs. For 45% of women, this factor was the primary reason they quit.
Career Advancement
39% of women quitting their jobs last year did so for career advancement opportunities. Stagnation, as well as “glass ceiling” barriers, drive many to look at lateral moves for career progress.
Reproductive Rights
Some younger and higher-income women are quitting their jobs due to concerns about Roe v. Wade and rollbacks on equal rights. Nearly a quarter of women are unwilling to work in states that limit or ban access to abortion.
Post-Pandemic Work Environment
The post-Covid work environment continues to evolve. Changes in remote jobs or flexible work arrangements as well as the redundancy of many jobs are driving many women to train for career changes or prepare for alternatives.
Prepare Yourself Before Leaving
It isn’t easy to determine when to quit your job, but preparation can make all the difference. This checklist can help you to ensure a smooth transition to your next opportunity:
- Give Proper Notice: Provide your employer with sufficient two-week notice to maintain a professional relationship and depart on good terms.
- Prepare Your Finances: It may take a few months to find and adjust to your new job. Review your budget and plan for any gaps in income during this transition period.
- Organize Your Documents: Collect and organize important documents such as pay stubs, benefits information, and any other employment records before your leave. Save copies of work samples, projects, and networking connections that you may need to secure future employment.
- Update Your Resume and Social Media: Curate your web presence to reflect your most current experience and skills. Be sure to hire a certified professional resume writer, someone who knows how to give you an edge over the competition.
- Network Actively: Reach out to your professional contacts and stay active in your professional development groups. Networking can lead to valuable opportunities and referrals.
- Consider Skill Development: Identify skills that could enhance your employability and seek training or certification programs to bolster your qualifications.
- Research Job Opportunities: Explore job boards, company websites, and industry publications to identify potential openings that align with your career goals. Popular job search platforms, such as Indeed, Monster, or Simply Hired can offer a variety of search filters for a diverse selection of listings including remote or flexible jobs.
Women are quitting their jobs to gain more control over their professional and personal lives. Are you next to plant your career flag with a new employer? Be strategic regarding your next move. Look after your health, negotiate for what you are worth, and seek to spend your professional life with an employer whose values align with yours.
