image depicting an employee typing their resignation letter

Last updated on January 25, 2022

2021 was a redefining year with the new normal changing the way of work and resignations.

However, 2022 is not going to be any different. This wave of a shift in working methods, hiring trends, job market sentiment and more is here to stay. 

Keeping this in mind, Caddle asked their Daily Survey Panel what their thoughts are on the great resignation.

Resigned from your Job? Here’s What Canadians are Doing…

Many Canadians resigned during the first wave of the Great Resignation. Of those who resigned without having a job lined up, 68% still haven’t found a job, out of this 28% of Canadians said they would “Most likely retire”, while 16% said they will “Wait to find a job that better aligns with their value” and 11% answered they would “Hold out for a higher pay”

Chart showing what Canadians are doing/ planning to do after resigning from their job. The top rated answer was to retire.

Baby Boomers Have Been There, Done That

It is fascinating to learn what different generations have in mind now that they have called the quits. When asked “Which of these statements apply to you the most?”

The top answer for Gen Zers (24.6%) was “Thinking of starting my own business/Freelance”, whereas for Millennials (27.5%), the top answer was to “Look for a job that better aligns with my values”. Gen Xers (14.6%) are “Looking for a more challenging job” while Baby Boomers have decided to pack it in and retire, as their top answer (79.2%) was “Not planning to re-enter the workforce/retire”. 

Chart showing what different generations are doing/ planning to do after resigning from their job. The top rated answer for Boomers was to retire, whereas for Gen Z was. to start their own business.

The Great Resignation is not Over Yet

Caddle discovered that 13% of employed Canadians are thinking about resigning in the next 12 months, and they are most likely to be Millennials and Gen Z as well as those living in Quebec. This second wave along with the looming tax season could affect these in the next 12 months –  Accounting (10%), Healthcare (9%), Government / Public Sector (6%), Education (6%) and Arts / Entertainment (6%).

Chart showing which industries will be hit the hardest after the second wave of the great resignation

Main Takeaways

No.1 |

Canadians that quit during the pandemic and didn’t have a job lined up are planning to retire (28%), waiting to find a job that better aligns with their values (16%), or are holding out for higher pay (11%). 

No.2 |

After quitting their jobs, Gen Zers (24.6%)  are thinking of starting their own business, Millennials are (27.5%) looking for a job that better aligns with their values, Gen X’ers (14.6%) are looking for a more challenging job while Baby Boomers (79.2%) are planning to retire.

No.3 |

The second wave of the Great Resignation could affect the following industries in the next 12 months – Accounting (10%), Healthcare (9%), Government / Public Sector (6%), Education (6%) and Arts / Entertainment (6%). 

Liked what you just read? Caddle has a lot more to offer, check out our other blog on The Great Resignation or How Canadians are Financing Their Homes!

*Disclaimer: all data presented is owned by Caddle and has a Margin of Error of 1% or lower.

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