Amid the global pandemic, when we all experienced quarantines and troubling uncertainty, many people got to reflect on their careers and life choices. Many evaluated their work-life balance, seeing that work can continue, maybe even better, from home, next to the family, and with more time for leisure. Others reflected on their roles and positions in the workplace, the managers and colleagues surrounding them, and the professional, financial, and mental support provided, or not provided, by their employers. Millions of individuals have come to the same conclusion–they want change. Many people are unhappy, unsatisfied, and are simply yearning for something better, especially when realising that life is short and could end abruptly by the pandemic. This resulted in “The Great Resignation,” which is unfolding before our eyes.

The Numbers Speak for Themselves

The term “The Great Resignation” was coined by Anthony Klotz to predict a massive rise of employees leaving their jobs amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. In the past two years, an immense number of employees recited two simple words to their employers: “I quit.” According to the U.S. Department of Labour, in the months of April, May, and June 2021 alone, roughly 11.5 million individuals quit their jobs. These three months alone in the U.S. were seeing greater numbers of individuals quitting their jobs than the entire year of 2020, which saw 8.2 million people quitting.

This wave of resignations is not bound to one specific country and has spread throughout the world. In a global survey of 30,000 workers conducted by Microsoft, nearly 41% of respondents were considering quitting or changing their job in 2021.

Why is it that so many people are quitting now? The answer primarily lies in the direct effects of COVID-19. Many workers had to make a quick transition into remote work and having more time at home. During this time, people saw their schedules become more flexible. They could pause their work by shutting their computer screen, had more time to rediscover passions or hobbies, and thus began to consider the ramifications of quitting or finding a new job. Many also began to crack the facade of their employers, seeing inefficient management, poor working conditions, and lack of transparency and support during this difficult time.

As vaccine distribution began to make headway for the general population, employers were quick to begin initiating work at the office once again. For many, getting back to the old workplace was not attractive or worth it anymore.

Thousands have headed out the door and are now taking their time to discover what they want again. Some are focusing on family time and don’t want to work anymore. Most people are looking for a new, more meaningful and comfortable career. Others are considering independence, freelancing, or entrepreneurship. The future is open, and the opportunities are endless.

Why Tech Should Be People’s Next Move

If you have quit your job and you’re not sure what to do next, we’ve got solid advice for you – go to tech. As a result of the pandemic, the world is accelerating its rate of digitalisation. In fact, according to Microsoft, there will be 149 million new technology jobs created by 2025.

While new tech jobs are being formed every minute, the rapid rise of automation and artificial intelligence will result in a predicted disappearance of over 2 million jobs by 2025. As noted by economist Daniel Susskind, “This pandemic has created a very strong incentive to automate the work of human beings.” In order to avoid this predicament, transferring to a career in tech may be the perfect pivot!

In addition to the global tech skills shortage, tech has some of the highest job satisfaction and happiness scores than any other sector. In the latest report on Australia’s Best Workplaces 2021, tech companies were amongst the top five in each size category including Cisco Systems Australia at the largest level, to Tiliter at the smaller level. Furthermore, a study into job satisfaction conducted by Curtin University featured in the Business Insider Australia, IT was ranked the 3rd happiest industry. With the tech sector’s immense growth, high salaries, and versatile job market, now is a perfect opportunity to consider tech as the next chapter of your professional life.

Can I Get to Tech without an Engineering Degree?

Now, we know what you’re thinking. Don’t I need to have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree to get a job in the tech industry? The answer is no!

First, not all tech jobs have to do with programming. Software development is only a part of the tech landscape, which also includes graphic designers, product managers, data analysts, and many other professions that do not require coding.

Second, the tech sector is starving for talent, and cannot wait for universities to educate people through 3- and 4-year degrees. Through reskilling and upskilling programs, such as the ones provided by the Cyber-Tech Institute of Australia, and its partners around the world, anyone can be trained for tech jobs in high demand in a matter of months. With a relatively low investment, taking a part-time program for a couple of months or a single year, graduates become job-ready, and get access to the tech sector, where they can initiate a new career in a positive and meaningful work environment.

The Great Resignation reminds us all that it’s always a good time to wake up and smell the coffee. You can make changes in your life and set yourself up for prosperity and job security in the growing tech sector, where demand for professional talent never runs out. The world around us is becoming digital. If you’re not there yet, it’s time to get there quickly.