Her Voice Blog

When Fletcher Marketing PR published this blog post last month highlighting the reasons I left my career as a journalist, so many people reached out to share their experiences. It seems many people feel the same way in their current careers (journalism or otherwise), and have either left, or are thinking of leaving soon. It doesn’t surprise me. Microsoft's Work Trend Index Report found nearly half the global workforce is considering quitting. 

According to a recent Gallup poll, these are the top three reasons people are leaving:

1. Not seeing opportunities for development
2. Not feeling connected to the company’s purpose
3. Not having strong relationships at work 

And it’s no coincidence it’s happening now. Research shows people are more likely to quit their jobs after experiencing a “turnover shock.” These are life events that force you to reassess – like a marital change, new baby, geographic move, or global pandemic. COVID has given us the gift of self-reflection and perspective, and the American people are acting on that “turnover shock.”

Here are some of the thoughts you shared with us:

• “Ms. Lester, I just wanted to reach out personally, rather than leave a faceless comment and tell you how much I appreciated your article. I cried reading it.  My experience in news feels very similar.  I left in 2020, right before the pandemic. Thank you so much for sharing so candidly and for making me feel hopeful that I can find new things to do!” 

• “I read the article you wrote explaining your complicated decision to leave broadcast news and it made me very emotional. I feel I am in that exact moment right now - completely burnt out. I just wanted to say how much I appreciated your write-up and it made me feel, as a working mother in journalism, not so alone.” 

• “I have experienced something similar working in hospitals. I left in 2019 and have found myself at a community clinic this year. I feel so much better in all aspects of life for it.” 

• "Things change. Life changes." Absolutely!!!! As individuals, our needs, priorities, and passions evolve. We can still live a life of purpose and positive influence outside of news." 

• “I began leaving the industry when I left my last anchor job in Savannah in 2004 but kept orbiting it as a free-lancer and occasional contributor for the better part of the next decade--kind of like hanging out with your ex! I think the clean break you are making is very healthy, and you'll continue to be glad you've done it!” 

• “I was in the same boat for several years as a print journalist. Moved my career to the nonprofit sector and haven’t looked back. I do miss the investigative, fact-finding and community aspects of journalism but it wasn’t worth the personal sacrifice.” 

• “I feel this so much in my soul. First, I became a stepmom and then my daughter came. After missing two Christmases I knew I had to change fields.
  This made me not feel so alone.” 

• “I remember crying when I decided to not renew my contract even without a job yet. I cried again when I turned in my notice a few weeks later when I thankfully found a job! I cried (SOBBED) again that last day because of that dang video they surprised me with. You will never have another work family like you did in and that's okay. The family at home is the one that matters most!” 
  

The time is now for managers and leaders across the board to start listening and paying attention to internal communication and employee relations strategies. Are you putting enough emphasis on employee recruitment and retention? Not making these issues a top priority could mean a big hit to your budget, and more importantly - your culture and morale.