Millennials and the Death of Job Loyalty: Why do we leave?

“People don’t leave jobs, they leave bosses” is often a common statement used to explain employee attrition and retention. This statement became increasingly relevant during the start of The Great Resignation- when people across multiple industries left their jobs in large numbers, in search of new and more fulfilling opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic afforded time for career reflection — and with the world around us slowing down tremendously for the first time in our lifetime — many of us were forced to contend with the reality that being constantly busy and overconsumed by work is not a healthy or satisfying way to live life.

As a millennial, I have always had pride in cultivating career security. I have pursued careers that gave me a sense of stability, a reliable and consistent paycheck and great benefits. I always chose roles that were in demand so I never once worried that my career or job wouldn’t withstand inevitable market or economy shifts or downturns. I also value the freedom I have to change careers or jobs if needed. Being a talented employee with options and the freedom to make them is really adulting goals. I recognized early on that my ability to ascend to a comfortable middle-class lifestyle was directly predicated on my willingness and bravery to leave jobs that were no longer serving me, personally, professionally and…