Avery K. Tingle, The Gamer Author

LinkedIN’s Andrew Seaman asked me to share my thoughts on the Great Resignation and the Big Shift happening in America, in regards to how the pandemic has affected how we approach work. These are my thoughts.

Do you feel that?

That’s the ground shaking beneath you.

The recent tectonic shift is something we have never experienced. I know it is scary, but it will pass. What has been truly terrifying is that it has threatened to upend our entire world, our very livelihood. It has not only changed the way we react to our surroundings, but the way we approach our work life balance.

Companies have declared a labor shortage. They’re wrong. For generations, companies have carried all the power and believed people should be grateful for the ‘privilege’ to work. Instead, people have woken up to the idea that they no longer must break their backs working for unlivable wages. For the first time in our existence, people are saying ‘no’.

It’s about time.

Remember, all change is startling at first, but it’s an opportunity to grow and adjust the status quo. When you interview with a company, they are looking for the right candidate. What people have forgotten is that you also have a choice to make. Just because they offer you the job does not mean you are required to accept it. Take a moment to determine if the company/job is worth your time.

Does it pay you for the skills you bring?

Is there room for growth?

Will they respect your off time?

What benefits do they offer you?

Have them define their expectations clearly.

It’s not that people are unwilling to work. On the contrary, most people take pride in a well-earned paycheck.  What people are learning not to accept is doing a job that gives them little to no respect for unreasonable wages. Especially when many companies profits are on the rise. New billionaires are created every day. Corporate greed has always been a driving factor. It took a global pandemic to awaken the work force and people are fed up.

When the ground stops shaking, what will you build for yourself?

Whatever it may be, I hope it’s something that brings you fulfillment as well as a paycheck.

Thanks for reading.

Avery K. Tingle is a scifi/fantasy author currently residing in the Pacific Northwest. Owned by two cats, he is passionate about social justice, Star Wars, and mental health. Connect to his award-winning writing and social media here.