It’s been called the Great Resignation. Across the country, Americans are quitting or changing jobs in record numbers, and if they haven’t made the move yet, surveys indicate
about half of employees are at least thinking about it.
“The
Great Resignation is encouraging people to take the time to think about what they are really passionate about and what they want in both a job and employer,” Karen Gaski, Human Resources Manager at CareerBuilder,
tells CNBC.com.
While it’s too soon to say exactly how much this trend is affecting Fort Wayne's job market, anecdotal evidence suggests the Summit City is experiencing a workforce shakeup of its own. During the past several weeks, many local leaders have changed positions or taken on new roles within their organizations.
We spoke to seven community leaders about what inspired them to make the move, what they’re looking forward to in their new roles, and what advice they have for other employees considering a pandemic job change.
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How long have you been in your new position?
That's a trick question. Long-time fan. Five-year volunteer. First-time employee starting February 14
th.
Did the pandemic impact your decision to change jobs?
The pandemic wasn't the sole reason for my desire to change jobs, but the second year of it did have a clarifying effect on my decision. I can't speak for everyone, but I certainly did not come out of 2020, or 2021, for that matter, with the same outlook on the world or life.
Throughout the evolution of my career, I've had the extreme fortune always to find passion in my work. But just as it is with human nature, those passions and focus points can ebb and flow and evolve. The pandemic simply amplified those shifts and sped up my timeline for a career change.
Forbes reports that millions of employees across the U.S. are poised to change jobs post-pandemic, citing reasons like the desire for career advancement, better benefits, improved company culture, more flexible work from home policies, and a desire for greater work-life balance. Did any of these factors influence your decision to change jobs?
I think the Forbes list is a good summary of why anyone ever chooses to change a job, not just amidst a pandemic. But the pandemic did help shine a light in the dark and remind us of the long-forgotten pros and cons of our career choices. We might seek a career that resonates with our head and our heart, but over time, we might find ourselves making small sacrifices that result in significant shifts when added up.
My previous role afforded many of these things, but at the end of the day (or year), I like to look at what change I want to affect in the world. Did I accomplish it? If not, how might I achieve it tomorrow? More and more, my head and my heart pull in the unified direction of animal welfare advocacy. So I knew it was time to make the leap and work for Humane Fort Wayne
Have you observed other people locally changing jobs during this time?
I have watched several people test the waters of the job market for a sundry of reasons. My current role is in the beverage industry. The pandemic has had two very contrasting impacts. Both have left many of our frontline employees overwhelmed and simply mentally exhausted from the constant pivoting.
Being under constant stress forces us to make changes, and re-evaluate who we are and why we're here (in this wild world).
Tell us more about your career path. What made you decide to pursue this new role?
A friend told me once that he's watched me reinvent myself and my career time and time again. Each iteration has become a necessary component of who Humane Fort Wayne needs me to be. A Listener. A Thinker. A Storyteller. A Connector.
From my first job right out of Ball State at Lincoln Financial Group to my leap of faith to Guardian Angel Hospice, and my fundraising roots taking a permanent hold at Erin's House for Grieving Children, to my most recent adventure in storytelling as the Marketing Director for Cap n' Cork, each served its purpose in place, time, and experiences. Now I'm ready for my most unbelievable adventure at Humane Fort Wayne.
How did you learn about your new position?
As a special projects volunteer for Humane Fort Wayne, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Jessica Henry and her team off and on over the last five years. It has allowed me to stay in tune with staff and needs and sort-of stand in the gap as needed. I jokingly called myself their best unpaid employee. So when the stars aligned when I was looking for a new role, and Humane Fort Wayne was searching for a new fundraising professional…we couldn't deny it any longer… we're a perfect pair.
What are some of your goals in your new position?
Easy answer, world domination. (Just kidding, but not really). If we want to leave things better than we found them, we have to learn to be a better steward of resources—that applies to both the people and the pets in our lives.
What advice would you give others considering a job change during this time?
Our professional careers are as unique as we are, and I hope that individuals can embrace their passions and find the right path in life. Life is short; take the leap; order the dessert; adopt the cat; ask to pet the dog. Find joy in doing something you love every day. And if you can't find joy in your career, find it at home with your adopted pet from Humane Fort Wayne.
I feel lucky that I get to help the pets of our community and the people who love them. But more than that, if I feel lucky to do something I love and am passionate about. I hope others can find a career that resonates with their heads and their hearts across all professional paths.
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How long have you been in your new role?
I changed roles this year, but I've been at the Community Foundation for five years (previously Vice President of Philanthropic Services).
Tell us more about your career path. What made you decide to pursue this new role?
While my new role isn’t with a different company; it’s something that we have discussed internally at the Community Foundation for a number of years. Having spent my career in the social and public sectors, I came to the Foundation with a lot of fundraising experience. My highly relational and strategic nature makes me a natural fit for strategic work within the Foundation, so when the opportunity arose for me to express to our CEO the role that I thought I would really excel in at the Foundation, I am grateful that he was so supportive and agreed. It then took us a number of years to ensure we had the rest of our staffing in place to make not only this role, but every other role within the Foundation as successful as possible.
Forbes reports that millions of employees across the U.S. are poised to change jobs post-pandemic, citing reasons like the desire for career advancement, better benefits, improved company culture, more flexible work from home policies, and a desire for greater work-life balance. Did any of these factors influence your decision to change jobs?
I am very fortunate to work for an organization that values and continues to embrace all of the things that are cause for others to leave their current work situations. As an organization, we are constantly developing career advancement opportunities, a plethora of professional development opportunities, a hybrid work structure allowing both in the office and work from home time that embraces people’s work styles, and striving for compensation that is not just attempting to pay people the bare minimum for our community.
Have you observed other people locally changing jobs during this time?
I’ve observed a lot of jumps in the last two years. People have a desire to have more flexibility. They have a desire to be seen, appreciated, and respected by their employers. They want more work-life balance. People don’t want to just live to work anymore. They want to work to live. People have a real understanding of how they can and should be treated and valued by their employers, and if that employer cannot adapt with the times, well then, it’s time to make a shift.
What are some of your goals in your new position?
My goals within this new position are to continue to do much of what I have been doing, but also expanded. I will continue to support the Philanthropic Services team with new business; I will continue to help support the Women’s Fund of Greater Fort Wayne and the success of Cassie Beer, the new Director. I also oversee the Marketing team. Along with this, I will be diving deeper into the strategies of the Community Foundation, helping to implement our vision plan and making systems-level impact on areas within our community.
What advice would you give others considering a job change during this time?
I would encourage anyone who is thinking about a change to make sure they really know and understand themselves enough to know what it is that they want and will be really good at. That’s not a job title, but it’s what your unique skill-set is. Use tools like Strengths Finder, DISC Assessment, etc. to really understand how you show up, and what makes you most fulfilled and then seek that out. Ask lots of questions in your interview. You’re interviewing the new employer just as much as they are interviewing you. And lastly, know your value.
We, as a culture, need to start pushing employers to think past “hours worked” (for those who offer salaried positions) and more to “value.” If I can work 10 hours a week for you and create just as much value as working 40 hours, then I should be compensated as such.
Since my first salaried position out of college, I have always negotiated Fridays off. I know that I am least productive if I don’t have a three-day weekend to get my personal life back together and get rest. Especially being a working mother. It’s a non-negotiable for me. Find your non-negotiable. I know I can create more value for a company in four days than I can in five, and it’s proven itself true and also invaluable to my sanity. I work really hard in four days to bring as much value as I possibly can for my employer; it also is important that I really love what I do. You should strive to figure out what you truly love to do, based on your strengths and your skills, and how then to bring as much value as you can to your new organization with your nonnegotiable in mind. Know what you need to negotiate in a salary. And set yourself up for the most success in your work and life.
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How long have you been in your new role?
I technically start on January 31st, but I’m already doing some behind-the-scenes work in preparation. I had a meeting with the board recently, and I’m thoroughly excited to get going.
Did the pandemic impact your decision to change jobs?
To some degree, it did. When I left WANE-TV, Channel 15, in 2021, I went to the Fort Wayne Urban League with every intention to be there for the long haul. But when I became aware that the position of President and General Manager of 89.1 WBOI was available, I thought it was too good of an opportunity to pass up. I was very excited to get back into radio broadcasting and to get the opportunity to work for our regional NPR member station.
In many ways, I think the pandemic is making people aware that life is short, so you have to grasp the great moments and opportunities while you can. You have to go for it while you can, and if you are doing something you don’t really like, you owe it to yourself to pursue something that makes you pleased with your life–something you can see yourself doing until the day you die.
Forbes reports that millions of employees across the U.S. are poised to change jobs post-pandemic, citing reasons like the desire for career advancement, better benefits, improved company culture, more flexible work from home policies, and a desire for greater work-life balance. Did any of these factors influence your decision to change jobs?
Some of them did. But the bottom line for me was: I saw an opportunity to go back to doing something I loved.
Have you observed other people locally changing jobs during this time?
Yes! It seems like so many local people are changing jobs. I met up with some of my former colleagues at WANE-TV recently, and we were talking about how many people in local broadcasting alone are changing careers.
How did you learn about your new position?
I heard about it via email.
Tell us about your career path. What made you decide to pursue this new role?
My new position is the perfect merger of several areas I’m passionate about: community service, community outreach, and broadcasting.
When I first decided to pursue my bachelor's degree in communications at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, I worked at the college-run public radio station there,
WOUB. While I was there, I ran the audio board; I had a jazz shift; and I conducted interviews on-air.
You could say I’m coming full circle now by returning to radio after all these years. I believe my time spent in local TV broadcasting, writing, editing, coordinating events, and public speaking will help enhance what I bring to WBOI, too.
When I saw this job opening, I was debating whether to apply, and my husband said, “Go for it. Do something for you.” I’m also a person of faith, and I felt like God opened a door for me here. I will be 58 on February 8, 2022, and I can see myself finishing my career-life at WBOI over the next several years.
What are some of your goals in your new position?
I hope to make WBOI the primary radio station in Northeast Indiana for news, information, and cultural programming. We already have so much to offer, and there are a number of things we haven’t tried yet. I’ve been meeting with the board, and I can’t give details on any plans yet, but I can say we are very excited about what lies ahead for this station.
What advice would you give others considering a job change during this time?
I would say: Go for it! Take a leap of faith. I consider myself incredibly fortunate that I’m able to keep doing something I love.
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Did the pandemic impact your decision to change jobs?
The pandemic gave me a moment to pause and think about how I want my life to look in five or ten years. I had been at my previous job for 13 years and was very much in a routine. When everything stopped, the routine was broken, and I was able to see a different path.
Forbes reports that millions of employees across the U.S. are poised to change jobs post-pandemic, citing reasons like the desire for career advancement, better benefits, improved company culture, more flexible work from home policies, and a desire for greater work-life balance. Did any of these factors influence your decision to change jobs?
Career advancement was my primary concern, but I was also interested in a change of location. I was living in Chicago, and while there are many things to love about the city life, I was really looking for a change of scenery. That said, company culture and work/life balance were also very important to me when contemplating a job change.
Have you observed other people locally changing jobs during this time?
My former workplace has had a lot of turnover. A good number of people are leaving the arts industry completely. Unfortunately, I think many non-profit organizations rely heavily on their staff being emotionally invested in the work that the organization is doing, and as a result, they do not put enough effort into employee satisfaction.
Tell us more about your career path. What made you decide to pursue this new role?
I’ve spent my entire career working in arts management, specifically classical music. I worked for an artist management agency in New York City, a mid-size Midwest orchestra, and then a major metropolitan “top 5” orchestra. I truly love the arts and feel deeply that the performing arts are an integral part of our society. I was attracted to my current role because I get to directly engage with people who may otherwise not have much, or any, exposure to the arts. Providing opportunities for people in rural communities to express themselves through the arts will impact those communities for generations.
How did you learn about your new position?
My cousin, Emily, has been coming to Wabash every year with her husband, Ranaan Meyer, who is the director of
Wabass and the Honeywell Arts Academy (a summer music institute for pre-professional musicians). She always spoke of how much she loved the community in Wabash, and when she heard they were looking to hire in this role she shared it with me right away!
What are some of your goals in your new position?
I have many ideas and plans, but one commitment is to create more and deeper opportunities for our community to experience and participate in the arts.
What advice would you give others considering a job change during this time?
Trust yourself. If you think there is a chance for a better life, trust that you can make it happen.
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How long have you been in your new position?
Started in November.
Did the pandemic impact your decision to change jobs?
I worked for the City for three years prior and moved to Kalamazoo, Mich., at the beginning of 2021. After relocating, I realized how important my network of relationships was, especially during the pandemic. Moving to a new city, where social bridging opportunities were limited due to the pandemic, and my new co-workers who I had not yet met were still behind a Zoom screen for the first several months, I discovered how difficult this transition was. Moving back to Fort Wayne and joining a great team at the City was an opportunity I couldn't pass up.
Forbes reports that millions of employees across the U.S. are poised to change jobs post-pandemic, citing reasons like the desire for career advancement, better benefits, improved company culture, more flexible work from home policies, and a desire for greater work-life balance. Did any of these factors influence your decision to change jobs?
The opportunity to join the City and help lead a new dedicated workgroup focused on Neighborhood Planning and Activation is career advancement. It's also a chance for me to put my area of expertise and passion to work for the citizens of Fort Wayne. I am a fan of Simon Sinek's 'Start With Why' where you discover your core value, and mine was Public Service. I believe that if one thing the pandemic did for a lot of individuals in their existing careers, is it gave them an opportunity to seek what they are most passionate about. The pandemic isolated a lot of us from our co-workers, friends, and in some cases, family. This time taught us a lot, but self-evaluation and understanding how important it is to grow became central for a lot of people. Finding an opportunity to fulfill your 'why' or your personal mission became clearer for many of us.
Have you observed other people locally changing jobs during this time?
I have had a lot of friends use the time to expand their knowledge, obtain new certifications, attend classes online, or participate in new experiences, which has led them to the opportunity to change careers or jobs that better their mission.
Tell me a little bit about your career path that led you to your new position. What made you decide to pursue this new role, in particular?
I actually spent nearly two decades working in the radio industry, relocating to Fort Wayne from Arizona 10 years ago. After a few years, I decided to pursue a new career path in planning by getting degrees in Urban Planning, Sociology, and Community & Economic Development. Going to school continuously for the past six years in addition to working a full-time job has been stressful at times, but also rewarding, in seeing my career and education work cooperatively. Through my job in the City, I had a chance to begin working with neighborhoods on a daily basis, and this is where I recognized the importance of what we do in Community Development. Not only are we working each day to develop in community (roads, sidewalks, buildings, jobs, etc.), but also we're working on the development of community (relationships, leadership, sustainability, resiliency, social capital, etc.). The neighborhoods of this city provide a variety of assets and needs and understanding how these work together is what I am passionate about.
How did you learn about your new position?
The City's Community Development Division Director Nancy Townsend had been working on creating the new Neighborhood Planning and Activation Workgroup to put an emphasis on neighborhoods. I was in touch with some friends who knew my passion and knew that I was leading neighborhood planning efforts in Kalamazoo and thought I would be an ideal candidate for the position.
What are some of your goals in your new position?
We are working to develop relationships with neighborhoods across the community, which looks daunting when you realize we have nearly 500. We have a few key goals for the new group. The most critical goal is building a team that works with neighborhoods to provide assistance through planning, implementation, education, and training.
What advice would you give others considering a job change during this time?
If you're considering a geographic move, take time to evaluate it closely. It may seem like it's the right position or the right opportunity at the time, but if you value your existing social networks and professional relationships, you have to ask if it's worth it. Moving to a new city may seem exciting, but consider the larger picture, especially when a LOT of people are considering a job change at the same time. Are you comfortable being uncomfortable for a while in a world where things are constantly changing? It can have a significant toll on your happiness when things are in a constant state of flux and you don't have those critical connections that keep you grounded.
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Did the pandemic impact your decision to change jobs?
No. My motivation was three things. First, and simply, it is "Fort Wayne" we are talking about. I've lived in Northeast Indiana for 34 years. If you live in Northeast Indiana, Fort Wayne feels like home. And if you are in the business of promoting destinations there is not a better place to be, in my view, because Fort Wayne and other communities in Allen County are destinations full of dynamic visitor assets.
My second motivating factor for a career change was that I love this industry that I have been fortunate enough to work in for the past six years in the amazing destination of Kosciusko County. To become a c-level leader at the next level destination marketing organization that is positioned well and built on a foundation of excellence was highly attractive. I asked myself what can I do, in working with the staff, board of directors, industry partners and businesses, and community stakeholders, to build upon this excellence, for greatest economic impact to our local visitor economy? That is a very motivating question, and I wanted the opportunity to do my best to answer it.
And third, I was beyond thrilled at the prospect of working alongside the VFW staff. The learning opportunities for me to grow professionally from the staff's multilevel areas of expertise, and in turn serve them as best I can, pushed me forward to put myself out there for consideration in filling this position.
Forbes reports that millions of employees across the U.S. are poised to change jobs post-pandemic, citing reasons like the desire for career advancement, better benefits, improved company culture, more flexible work from home policies, and a desire for greater work-life balance. Did any of these factors influence your decision to change jobs?
Not in this case. I couldn't have been more blessed to lead the Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau. K-County is a first-class act. But when I personally consider an advancement of my career, I value a healthy, positive workplace culture first. It is very important to me as an employee and leader. And I am happy to be joining an organization of people who align with the same values.
Have you observed other people locally changing jobs during this time?
Not in Kosciusko County at leadership levels.
Tell us more about your career path. What made you decide to pursue this new role?
My background is primarily in leadership and management roles. I have a Master of Science in Management degree. This has gone a long way in propelling me in each of the careers I have held. I have worked in these roles in various industries, but the one consistent skill set is in management. I have been an office manager at an attraction, I have served as Chief Executive Officer for two 501-c6 civic nonprofit organizations, and my marketing management background comes from serving as Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications in higher education.
How did you learn about your new position?
I knew my predecessor and colleague was positioned to retire for quite some time, but I did not consider applying. Then a search committee member encouraged me to read the job description and consider applying through SearchWide Global (the recruitment firm hired for the national search process). I read it, and my background was a good fit on paper. I also considered the caliber of the organization as I previously mentioned, so I decided to put myself out there and take a chance on myself.
What are some of your goals in your new position?
I personally have many, but first and foremost, I will work with the board of directors for onboarding to learn the strategies they would like me to focus on. I’ll fast-track sending meeting requests to industry partners and local stakeholders, and I'll spend a great deal of time getting to know the staff and having them get to know me.
What advice would you give others considering a job change during this time?
I believe the best advice is to make a change count. Make a move where you enjoy the work, where you are challenged to grow, where you feel you can make a difference because you really want to. Make a change because the people, including leadership, are impeccable with their word, and consider a move that is personally fulfilling in mission or outcomes. I recommend reading
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz. It applies to both personal and work life and can be thought-provoking if considering a career change, pandemic, or not.
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Did the pandemic impact your decision to change jobs?
Not necessarily, but it did impact my lifestyle, which in turn, affected my job.
My husband and I moved to Fort Wayne in 2019. Then my husband got an opportunity to retire last spring. The part of this decision that was pandemic-related was we were able to put our big home on the market, and with real estate being crazy, we were able to get a price we thought we had to wait another eight years to get. So we bought a great house in the Waynedale area of Fort Wayne, and we love living in a community closer to downtown.
I was influenced to change jobs because of the benefits, improved salary AND being able to stay in Fort Wayne. It was important to us that this job allowed me to stay in Fort Wayne and to work at home. (I worked at home in my previous position).
I also appreciate the
Honeywell Foundation’s work. It is an incredible powerhouse organization for the arts.
How did you learn about your new position?
I grew up in Wabash, and in 2000, I moved back to raise my children there, so I knew the area well. I got a call about the Honeywell position, and I initially turned down the opportunity to interview because I love living in Fort Wayne now. But after a couple of additional conversations about the current work of the Foundation and its vision for the future, I accepted it.
Have you observed other people locally changing jobs during this time?
Yes, I’ve observed several people changing jobs. I’ve been concerned about mobility, being on the more experienced side of the workforce, so through this experience, I have been glad to see mobility is available to more than just younger professionals. However, I know many people, like my husband, who are opting to retire earlier than planned.
What are some of your goals in your new position?
It is a new position. More than 80 percent of all ticket sales for Honeywell Arts programs come from outside of Wabash County. I am going to work to find corporate and individual support outside of Wabash County, too. I’ve long wanted an opportunity to share Wabash with the larger world. It is a GREAT community. I’ve experienced how rural communities get a bad rap in areas that are more metropolitan.
What advice would you give others considering a job change during this time?
Think about what other companies or areas you are interested, find people in those places, invite them to coffee, and learn about their work. If you are interested in the work, ask how you might be able to find a position there. The only way to know what else is available is to go find out.