Trying to put her finger on what could be perceived as instability in the constant job hopping of some younger workers, Sacha Chua looks at the Cons and Pros of sticking with a job in Why Gen Y Won't Stay in Jobs that Suck.
Her perspective on the issue is that "when work-life balance is important and career plans are chaotic, it just doesn't pay to work at jobs that suck".
Besides the want or need to have some kind of health benefits another reason given for staying put was/is an aspiration to build a career.
Sacha offers that "it used to be that you would "pay your dues" in a boring, thankless job, eventually rising in the ranks and gaining a cushy position. Not any more. After rampant downsizing (I mean, "right-sizing", or "resource actions", as IBM likes to call it), the failure of even supposedly rock-solid institutions (hello, Fannie Mae!), and the un-cushy-izing of formerly cushy positions such as partners in law firms (who are now subject to the threat of de-equitization) is it any wonder why many people–Gen Y, especially, as we're making these entry-level decisions–no longer believe in long-term career planning and in paying your dues in a thankless position?"
She cites Lesson 1 of Johnny Bunko: There is No Plan.
Another valuable point she makes is that "your employer pays you, but you ultimately work for yourself. You are responsible for developing your own skills, finding your own opportunities, and making the life that you want."
Life and work can be messy.
Thanks to Luis Elsua for pointing to Sacha's words of advice.
Trials and errors for Monday Work Etiquette #57
Previously: Bad Bosses Are Energy Vampires says Steve Miranda
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