SALT LAKE CITY — In August, job openings dropped by more than 1 million positions, the biggest decline in 2 1/2 years, but there remains 1.7 job vacancies for every unemployed American worker. The rate of quitting in August was slightly higher than in July, according to Deseret News. So is the Great Resignation coming to an end?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in early 2021, about a year after the COVID-19 pandemic began, workers quit their jobs in record numbers — more than 47 million in the year. But the jobs market quickly recovered. (See graphic below).

Stay or go?

Troy Lamb of the Department of Workforce Service joins KSL NewsRadio’s Dave and Dujanovic with Dave Noriega and Debbie Dujanovic to discuss the state of the Great Resignation today.

Before you quit your job, Lamb advised, be clear in your communication with your employer.

“Sometimes employers don’t realize that maybe you have other professional goals or development opportunities that you’re looking for [such as a] more flexible schedule,” he said.

“Definitely talking to the employer and letting them know what your thoughts are and your goals and the direction that you’d like to go in your career can be a really big step in keeping that job and having better retention with your employment,” Lamb said.

The Great Resignation Regret

• Every month since June 2021, more than 4 million workers – or 3% of total U.S. employment – left their jobs, typically for new, higher-paying ones.
• About one in five workers who quit during the past two years regret it, according to a Harris Poll survey for USA TODAY.

“What about this regret — this 20% of people who end up regretting the fact that they have left their jobs? Do they go back to their jobs or do they stay put and hope to make the best of a situation?” Debbie asked.

If you are looking to land the job you desire, add to your skill set by earning a certificate, completing on-the-job training or entering an apprenticeship, Lamb advised.

“If you really are considering looking at different options in a career move, definitely look at additional training or education that may be helpful for you as well,” he said.

“Will an employer give a prospective employee a little side eye, if they’ve had three jobs in two years or five jobs and seven years?” Dave asked.

Being honest with the prospective employer about the gaps in your work history during a job interview is a better approach than remaining silent, Lamb recommended.

“Let them know that you’ve been going to school or doing some additional training to help fill in those gaps,” he said. 

Dave & Dujanovic can be heard weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon. on KSL NewsRadio. Users can find the show on the KSL NewsRadio website and app, as well as Apple Podcasts and Google Play.