# Understanding the Evolving Landscape of Developer Resignation
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The Stages of the Great Developer Resignation
In recent times, a significant trend has emerged among developers: a noticeable shift in their work-life priorities. This phenomenon highlights two distinct mindsets: individuals who prioritize work over life and those who believe life should take precedence over work. In the past year, many developers have taken the opportunity to resign, not necessarily out of dissatisfaction, but to leverage the heightened demand for their skills to secure better positions with improved compensation.
As we enter a new phase of this great resignation, many developers are opting to step off the relentless treadmill of work and take a well-deserved break. Below, we outline the stages of this transformation.
Stage 1: The Impact of COVID-19 and Remote Work
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced a rapid transition to remote work for many developers, with companies scrambling to implement the necessary software solutions. This shift resulted in an overwhelming increase in virtual meetings, leading to calendars overflowing with appointments. I found myself struggling to carve out time for lunch amidst back-to-back meetings, prompting me to invest in Bluetooth headphones just to grab a snack.
This surge in meeting frequency significantly impacted developers, reducing their available time for actual coding. Despite the evident need for extended project deadlines due to increased meeting times, this was often overlooked.
Is Meeting Overload Contributing to Developer Burnout?
Several factors have contributed to heightened levels of burnout among developers in the remote work environment. Key issues include:
- Increased Meeting Time: As meetings multiplied, developers found themselves sacrificing valuable development hours, often compensating by working extra hours outside of regular schedules.
- COVID-19 Stress: The pandemic-induced stress, coupled with reduced social interactions, has exacerbated feelings of isolation, leading to longer working hours without natural breaks.
- Quality of Life Decline: The combination of increased work pressure and diminished life quality has left many developers feeling drained, significantly raising the likelihood of burnout.
Recent statistics indicate that 83% of developers report experiencing burnout, with 81% stating that the situation has worsened during the pandemic.
Stage 2: Rising Demand for Software and Developers
The shift to remote work has accelerated digital transformation initiatives, resulting in a surge in software demand. This trend has fostered the growth of low-code development platforms, allowing organizations to cultivate a larger pool of developers, including those with minimal coding experience.
Tech investments have reached unprecedented levels, and the competition for skilled developers is fierce. Consequently, companies are actively seeking ways to onboard new talent quickly, resulting in the emergence of low-code platforms as a solution.
Stage 3: The Great Resignation
Several factors have led to a wave of developers seeking new employment opportunities:
- Burnout: Many developers are leaving their jobs in search of a healthier work environment.
- Better Roles: The demand for developers has opened up new and improved positions within growing companies.
- Higher Salaries: A competitive job market has driven up salaries, making it more attractive for developers to switch jobs.
- Desire for Change: Many developers feel undervalued, lacking training and support, and have decided to take a stand for their worth.
This environment has fueled discussions around the "great resignation," a term that has gained traction in both mainstream and social media.
The Emergence of the Great Sabbatical
In recent weeks, I've noticed several developers within my network opting for extended sabbaticals—some with no job lined up and others taking agreed-upon breaks. Many have saved enough money to afford this time off and see it as a well-deserved opportunity after navigating the challenges of the pandemic.
As more developers explore this option, we may witness a shift from the great resignation to a trend I refer to as the "great sabbatical." This shift is logical, given the hiring boom in response to increased software demand and the need for companies to retain their existing talent.
Developers are acutely aware of their leverage in the current job market, prompting companies to invest more in employee retention strategies. This period has become an ideal opportunity for developers to take a step back, reflect on their careers, and prioritize their well-being.
With the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19, including the emergence of new variants, many developers have felt confined to their homes for too long. I anticipate that we will see an increase in developers taking extended breaks to enjoy life in the coming months.