Blame it largely on the pandemic, which weakened the hold the workplace held on people’s psyches
By outward appearances, the labor market today looks much as it did before the pandemic. The unemployment rate is just as low, the share of adults in the labor force is just as high, and wages are growing at roughly the same pace after inflation.
But beneath the surface, the nature of labor has changed profoundly. Career and work aren’t nearly as central to the lives of Americans. They want more time for their families and themselves, and more flexibility about when, where and how they work.
The impact of this change can already be seen in both individual companies and the broader economy. It has led to a persistent shortage of workers, especially in jobs that seem less desirable because, for example, they require in-person work or fixed hours. That, in turn, has altered the bargaining position of employers and employees—forcing employers to adapt, not just by paying more but giving priority to quality of life in job offers.
To be sure, some of these changes arise from an exceptionally tight labor market. If unemployment rises, some of employees’ newfound leverage may evaporate.
I’ve been lucky enough to have a great job at the moment, and after being where I am for this long (without doxxing myself), I can say that I will never, for the rest of my life, work anywhere that chases profit. Unless I literally have no choice.
Look into government jobs, or NGOs/non-profits. I’ve found work to be much more fulfilling, less stressful, etc., when everything isn’t about quarterly earnings, and profit margins. That shit ruins EVERYTHING.
I don’t really care how much less my salary may be, as long as I’m making enough to survive (and have enough of a cushion that I don’t need to worry that one or two emergencies will bankrupt me), then I’m good to go.
Perhaps I’m just not an ambitious person, but I just have zero interest in pursuing monetary gain beyond what I need.