Reasons Behind the 'Rush' of Resignations in the US Last Year

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Last year, the proportion of workers in the United States who voluntarily quit their jobs reached the highest level in 20 years. As job opportunities surged due to economic recovery, Americans disappointed by low wages and limited promotion opportunities at their current jobs chose to resign, believing that "finding a new job is easy."

On the 9th (local time), the U.S. public opinion research organization Pew Research Center released survey results stating, "The biggest reasons Americans quit their jobs last year were low wages, 'needle's eye' promotion opportunities, and feeling disrespected at work."

According to this survey, which allowed multiple responses, the most common reasons for quitting were "low wages" and "no promotion opportunities," each at 63%, followed by "feeling disrespected at the company" at 57%. Pew Research Center explained, "One in three quitters left their companies for these reasons."

Nearly half quit due to childcare issues (48%). Following that were "inflexible working hours" (45%) and "unsatisfactory benefits such as health insurance" (43%). "COVID-19 vaccine mandates" accounted for a relatively low 18%.

The majority of Americans who quit last year currently have jobs. Among them, 61% said "finding a new job was somewhat easy," and 31% said "very easy." Only one in five said it was "very or somewhat difficult."

More than half of these respondents felt that their current work environment had improved compared to before. Over half answered that "their wages increased compared to their previous company (56%) and promotion opportunities increased (53%)." "Better work-life balance" and "more flexible working hours" were also reported by 53% and 50%, respectively.

However, a significant number also responded that their work environment had worsened or changed little compared to their previous job. Twenty percent said "benefits and such decreased compared to the previous company," and 36% said "it is similar."

Pew Research Center stated, "Among adults who quit their jobs last year and were re-employed, 53% said their occupation or job changed," adding, "This change was especially evident among workers under 30 and those without graduate degrees."