Why are an increasing number of youngsters today resigning at the drop of a hat? We need to examine this closely. Perhaps it all comes down to shifting loyalties. It would appear as though young job seekers are loyal to themselves first - their wants, their dreams, their goals. They have different priorities than those of generations before them. Stability is no longer an attractive enough reason to stay at a job. The startup culture has introduced the concept of work spaces also being social spaces. Work needs to be fun, not just fulfilling for these tribe of nomadic job seekers. Holidays and sabbaticals seem to have replaced home loans.
There is also this notion that one can attain faster growth jumping jobs than sticking on and climbing the corporate ladder within the same organization. Is this just a perception, or reality? Are we as employers more willing to sweeten the deal for fresh talent, than the ones who have proven they will stick on no matter what? Or are we just dealing with a talent pool that is increasingly impatient to reach their goals?
It is in this same ecosystem that the Sundar Pichai’s of the world also exist. Capable, reliable and seemingly immune to the urge to test the waters for other competing offers. More youngsters should emulate this. Especially now.
Against the backdrop of recession and huge layoffs, employers are now wizening up in their approach to hiring talent. Is a long list of acquired skills from working different jobs in various companies more valuable than the assurance of someone who will stay on and choose to grow within an organization? This is the question we must ponder on. Are we as employers failing to keep things exciting enough, comfortable enough and reassuring enough? Or are today’s young job seekers unable to resist exploring whether the grass truly is greener on the other side?
Are these youngsters being reckless, or fearless? Perhaps one way to get to the bottom of this is a more detailed and honest exit interview process. In the meantime, the current job market will soon reveal what is it that is truly valuable to employers today.
