The Great Resignation

-waves violently behind the door closing 👋🏽-

My last day at work for my 9-to-5 job was on January 5th.

My first day being fun-employed was January 6th. What weird timing, lol.

It didn’t make sense to prolong my stay. See, we merged with a different company. And, I wasn’t motivated to renew our apartment lease. My reason to leave New York was, well, why not leave? I grew up there. I spent the time that I had to. It was time to move on. It was time to move out of state.

When New York City shut down, I read about how people were leaving their jobs. This movement was titled The Great Resignation. There were articles about the mass exodus of hospitality and food industry laborers. People had quit and moved on.

For me, I up and left the commercial banking industry.

When the mayor enforced curfews, I had leeway because NY classified me as an essential worker. I was essential for business transactions, especially when the Payment Protection Plan kicked in. The PPP was a huge incentive for small business owners to take out loans in order to cover payroll for their employees.

So what?

I reflect on how this time last year, I chose to participate in the Great Resignation. I didn’t think it was monumental. I chose to up and leave. I think the more I had quit jobs in the past, the easier it was to tidy up the loose ends and say adiós!

The Great Resignation is a movement that validated me. I left my job! Wow! A great narrative! How unique.

“this is your year” by me.

I joined the ranks among other workers who needed to pivot away from their industries. Workers had reported grueling stress that cannot be justified with their wages. Some workers redefined their identity. Some workers realized that their identity doesn’t center around their career. Some of them just don't want a career.

Dream job, dream company, dream career.

Who do you know that dreams of labor? Maybe those dreams are spun into different words such as ‘dream job’ and ‘dream company’.

I don’t shame people for wanting a prosperous salary and great job benefits. That’s a great thing. For me, I have to think twice before I choose a job that requires me to sit under fluorescent lighting from 8a through 5p.

👀

Childcare is a hot mess in the United States.

Speaking of children, the User Experience of this small child is terrible.

When I was growing up, The Golden Girls was a sitcom I can sit around and watch with familia. It wasn’t guaranteed I would celebrate Betty White’s birthday 100th with my birthday (pay attention, we have the same birthday). I’m grateful for how much she’s contributed to culture. Truly, a joyful human being.

I share with you a block of lyrics from Jonah Yano & BADBADNOTGOOD

Cigarettes 
              make me nervous
And I turn water
       into wine
And I called you 
       on purpose
Because I know you
                        got 
                             the time

Thanks for listening,

Alexander Chamorro