I'm just not going back to my old job - and here's why.

Area employers are having a hard time finding workers.

The reason, however, may be more complicated than you think.

The most common refrain is, 'Why work when you can get free government money?' 
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But in reality, that's only a small part of what's going on here.

According to a new article from the Associated Press (here) many Americans are simply rethinking their careers.

From the article, "In March, U.S. job openings rose 8% to a record 8.1 million, but overall hiring rose less than 4%." The article features several examples of workers in the service industry who were forced out of their jobs during the pandemic, and have taken that time to explore other options. One worker, 57 year old Ellen Booth, was a lifelong bartender. When her employer closed during COVID, she started an on-line class to be a medical coder.   25 year old Shelly Ortiz had a career as a restaurant server. When her employer reopened, she returned cautiously, concerned about exposure from customers. She finally quit after a co-worker tested positive and the restaurant refused to deep clean. She decided to enroll in a film-making college class and is graduating this month.

All of those in the article admitted money is tight, some digging into their retirement savings...but they have no intention of going back to their previous careers.  They are no longer chasing the 'money dream', they say...their qualify of life is most important now.  The pandemic has definitely had an effect on workforce dynamics...from workers realizing they can work from home, to those who are actively changing careers, to others striking out on their own...and the results are being felt, as fewer workers are interested in taking the jobs available.    

If the pandemic had lasted only a few months, rather than over a year, everything may have returned to normal in the labor market. But such a long time period, not only allows, for often forces people to reimagine their lives and make substantial changes.

If you have found yourself re-evaluating your employment future, or have already found a new way of life that is more rewarding to you...yet your old life has left you in a financial whirlwind...reach out to us and let's discuss ways to clean up your financial problems. Either through debt restructuring, negotiations with creditors, budget adjustments, and if required, bankruptcy. There are several remedies available, including legal options if needed. Call the office of T. Verner Smith today at 423-1888.