#TheBigShift - Is it time for the "Great Resignation"?

The folks at LinkedIn asked for an informed perspective on the changing landscape of the post pandemic work environment in 2021 and beyond. They are calling it #TheBigShift. We are possibly at a time of "Great Resignation" as more people might be looking to quit their jobs and/or move to start a new ones. A career chance is always daunting and nerve wracking, but in many ways this is a great time to pursue that as the number of job openings roughly matches the number of unemployed:

back to the "new normal" of more jobs than unemployed?

I made a big career shift not too long ago, as a middle aged man, living half-way around the world. So far so good (knock on wood). In addition, I have talked to and witnessed many of my peers in finance make a career shifts over the past 5-10 years. To answer the LinkedIn prompt: what are some of the key observations and pieces of advice that I have received during that time?

• Go back to school (and get a new degree if need be): Whether it is a Masters of Education (what I did) or a Masters of historic Preservation (James) this will jumpstart your transition from one area to the next. Online courses (with their certificates of completion) are a cheaper and effective way of gaining new skills as well.
• Swim with the tide: It's easier to be successful at a firm that has explosive growth, such as a cloud computing based company rather than in one facing headwinds, such as a traditional brokerage company. A rising tide lifts most boats (maybe not quite all of them).
• Boring is the new sexy, don't necessarily go for the most attractive option: During graduation speeches we often hear "do what you are passionate about." While that may be true with your hobbies, the job you choose shouldn't necessarily fall within that category. Similar to the practice makes perfect post from last week, and how one needs to think about improving mathematics outcomes (link: https://thrivingwithinterest.blogspot.com/2021/06/controversial-thought-for-improving.html ), the same is true with your job. Do the small jobs well, rinse wash and repeat. If you do that well, eventually you will start getting more responsibilities and take on new tasks. As a bonus, you are more likely to create that often talked about passion, rather than starting with passion and possibly being stuck in a no win situation (LA is littered with failed actors of course!).
• Be around other people and work in person, rather than virtually (if given the option): It's going to be easier to find new opportunities if you are around others rather than if you are disconnected by staying at home or in a remote location. The conversations, banter and observations you make by being centrally located will ultimately provide you with additional arrows in your quiver which you will eventually be able to utilize at some point.
• Go the extra mile and take on tasks that may not yield immediate rewards: In my finance classes I often talk about the power of compounding. Small incremental effort may not seem to pay off in the short term, but over the long term they can yield great benefits. The graph below demonstrates that with the linear dots being a representation of small contributions while the red ones show an ever increasing total which starts growing exponentially:

There are probably dozens of other great tips to help someone succeed in a new career, but as someone who has navigated these treacherous waters not too long ago, with a very positive outcome, I would say focus on those 5 and you will be ahead well on your way to a wonderful and fruitful new experience.

Bonne Chance!