Thinking of ‘quiet-quitting’ your job? That’s nowhere to go

This may be the most confusing job market I’ve seen in my many years of being in the staffing business. I can imagine what you’re thinking.

What happened to the old days when someone saw a job advertised, applied for it, got hired, and started a career with that company?

Doesn’t happen much anymore.

What’s all this “quiet-quitting” and how does it affect a job market where it’s the employee who’s in the driver’s seat?

Hard to tell, but as an employer, it means you simply don’t care anymore. So quit, already.

Why do companies that are showing record profits and valuations feel the need to announce layoffs?

Because stockholders want to know management is taking potential economic slowdown seriously. Even if there’s no slowdown.

With all this confusion, should I expect to be fired?

Maybe. It’s up to you. If you act like you want to be fired, you will be.

Should I relocate out of San Diego and net more money due to a lower cost of living?

Maybe, but be careful what you wish for. There’s no place like San Diego.

What happens if my new company suddenly faces business challenges and I’m last-in, first-out?

You’ll likely be first-out.

Why are companies paying so much money, higher wages, and bigger signing bonuses when the economy is said to be shaky?

Because they still need to find employees with the skills they need.

Should I jump back into the job market while there is lots of hiring going on?

If you need or want a job, and you and your family are ready, yes.

How will I know when the job market has dried up?

Listen to the news in your community and your industry. Don’t wait too long to find out.

Many known and unknown reasons

I believe that the current labor shortage is here to stay for at least two to five years.

For many known and unknown reasons, there just aren’t as many potential employees wanting to rejoin or stay in the workforce as in recent years.

It could be a combination of early retirement, long COVID, lack of childcare, pension benefits, or sufficient net worth, to name a few. Or maybe, just because.

If you’re a good worker who’s keeping your skills current and continuing to be enthused about your career path, you will do well.

But if you want an excuse to stay out of the job market, either long- or short-term, I can give you all kinds of lifestyle reasons to do so. But be ready to get along without that steady paycheck.

We also know how important it is to not allow caustic employees, no matter how great their skills, to affect (and infect) co-workers with bad attitudes.

Don’t be one.

My business partner, Mel Katz, and I know how hard our employees work at jobs that they find fulfilling. We also know how difficult it is, in this job market, to find and train — and retain — good employees.

That’s why, prior to the Labor Day Weekend, we celebrated “Staff Appreciation Week” at Manpower.

Along with staging a daily series of fun and silly events, plus handing out thank-you gifts to our employees, we honored their labor and loyalty by giving every staff member a four-day weekend.

Get out of any negative situation

All of this is to say: If you wake up in the morning not excited to go to work, do something about it.

Your lack of enthusiasm could be blamed on low pay, no workplace flexibility, skimpy benefits, too many unmotivated co-workers, bad management — any of a myriad of reasons.

Bottom line: Get out of any negative situation and move on.

If not now, when?

Companies will always be right-sizing, but now they’re still desperately in need of highly motivated employees.

If you are one of these people, take advantage of the job market and find your new place in the sun. Don’t quiet-quit your job and force the company to fire you.

Take the initiative and fire yourself.

You are your career coach. Don’t let your one client down.

Blair is co-founder of Manpower Staffing and author of “Job Won.”

pblair@manpowersd.com