Multitudes Sing “Take This Job and Shove It.” Then What?

Johnny Paycheck’s 1977 hit went platinum.  Don’t know what tune you’re humming, but the research tells us that Paycheck’s song is on the lips of many:

Better not try to stand in my way,

As I’m walking out the door.

Take this job and shove it.

I ain’t working here no more.

In February, the number of employees voluntarily quitting surpassed the number being fired or discharged for the first time since October 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor of Statistics.

For 15 straight months prior to February, the BLS recorded more layoffs than resignations.  And, employees quitting could continue to grow in the coming months.  At the end of 2009, 60% of workers said they intended to leave their jobs when the market got better.

Churn, baby, churn?  Really?  While news of a faltering economy continues, this  exodus is surprising.  But according to the Wall Street Journal article, More Workers Start to Quit, May 25, 2010, two key factors are at play:

1. First, people reluctant to make a move in the midst of a scary recession are more confident. (I’d say a wee more confident.)
2. We’re more apt than ever to exit a spirit sucking place. Employees feel disengaged and morale is low according to a survey by The Conference Board.  In other words,  we’ve had it.

Okay, so more people are starting to quit.  But but after that momentary glow of  victory, what’s next?  Not to be sappy but could be time to break out the 1956 hit written by Steve Allen and performed by Bobby Darin, Tony Bennett and Ella Fitzgerald – This Could Be the Start of Something Big.

The interplay between work and life could be different in your future. If you are one of the ones getting ready to leave and are interested in creating a new lifestyle that include time away from work, here are three ideas:

1. Study the Workplaces for Sabbaticals List to see what companies already offer sabbaticals. (This could guide your job search.)
2. Negotiate a sabbatical as part of a new job.  (Yes!  People are successful doing this.)
3. Take a career break before you start working at a new job.  (It doesn’t have to be 6 months; it can be 4 weeks.)

Now could be the time to put your life into a different groove and the perfect time to listen up to Bustin’ Loose, 1978 hit by Charles Brown and the Soul Searchers!  Great beat.