Why People Still Refuse to Work for Someone Else: Lessons from the Great Resignation

The Great Resignation Proved that Work Can be Tailored to Your Gifts

The Great Resignation wasn’t just a mass quitting spree—it was a movement that reshaped the way people view work. Toxic workplaces, lack of respect, and outdated management practices pushed millions to walk away from traditional jobs and rethink how they want to live and work. As the trend continues, it’s clear: People refuse to go back to a broken system.

Let’s break down the growing list of reasons why workers are opting out of traditional employment—and why entrepreneurship is more appealing than ever.

1. The Workplace Became a Deathtrap

During and after the pandemic, workplaces turned into hazards, where lives were lost to unsafe conditions, neglect, and overwork. The most alarming fact? No one seemed to care until it was too late, thus the Great Resignation.

Examples of Workplace Deaths That Went Unnoticed:

• A 60-year-old Wells Fargo employee in Arizona died at her desk and went unnoticed for four days. Co-workers assumed she was “working hard,” but in reality, she had passed away from a medical emergency. The fact that no one noticed highlights how disconnected some workplaces are from their employees’ well-being.
• A 26-year-old Ernst & Young employee in India collapsed from overwork. Investigations revealed the office lacked proper labor permits and welfare resources. It wasn’t until the case became public that the company acknowledged the inhumane working conditions.
• A 39-year-old UPS driver in Texas collapsed and died from heatstroke during a delivery route amidst a heatwave. Despite worker complaints, the company failed to implement adequate heat safety measures in time to save his life.

These cases aren’t just tragedies—they’re symptoms of a larger problem.

Many workplaces fail to prioritize safety, treat employees as expendable, and overlook warning signs of burnout or distress, even AFTER the Great Resignation.

2. Toxic and Poor Management

One of the most cited reasons for leaving a job is bad management. Employees don’t leave companies; they leave managers. Here’s what they’re walking away from:

• Mean bosses: Micromanagers, bullies, and bosses who gaslight their employees create environments where workers feel undervalued and disrespected.
• Favoritism: Promotions and opportunities often go to friends of the boss rather than those who are most qualified.
• Lack of communication: Managers who don’t clearly communicate expectations or listen to employee concerns breed frustration and resentment.

Workers are done putting up with leaders who prioritize control over collaboration.

3. No Raises or Pay Growth

Stagnant wages have been a massive driver of discontent. Even as inflation soars, many companies refuse to adjust salaries to meet the rising cost of living. Employees are left wondering:

• Why am I working harder for the same (or less) pay?
• How can I stay motivated when my financial future isn’t improving?

Add to this the fact that many companies pocket record profits without rewarding the workers who made it possible, and you have a recipe for The Great Resignation.

4. The Glass Ceiling Effect

For women, minorities, and marginalized groups, the glass ceiling remains a major barrier.

• Lack of representation: Leadership roles are still dominated by certain demographics, leaving others feeling excluded or undervalued.
• Unfair evaluations: Employees often face biased reviews or are overlooked for promotions due to systemic inequality.
• Unequal pay: Women and people of color frequently earn less than their counterparts for the same work.

For many, entrepreneurship offers a chance to escape these barriers and create their own opportunities.

5. No Work-Life Balance

The pandemic showed workers what they’d been missing: time for family, hobbies, and self-care. But as companies demanded a return to the office, workers realized how little their employers cared about their personal lives.

• Long hours: Many jobs still expect employees to work beyond their scheduled time, often without extra pay.
• On-call culture: Workers are tired of being expected to respond to emails, texts, and calls during nights, weekends, and vacations.
• Burnout: Unrealistic workloads and constant pressure have driven employees to their breaking points.

6. Unsafe Work Conditions

The pandemic shined a harsh light on unsafe workplaces, but these issues go beyond COVID.

• Fatigue-related accidents: Overworked employees in industries like trucking, healthcare, and construction are at higher risk of injury or death.
• Unregulated environments: Factories, warehouses, and meatpacking plants have been exposed for dangerous conditions and lack of oversight.
• Neglect: Workplace deaths like the ones mentioned earlier underscore how some employers prioritize profits over people’s lives.

7. Entrepreneurship as the Solution

Faced with these barriers, workers are increasingly turning to entrepreneurship to reclaim their lives. Here’s why:

• Freedom: Entrepreneurs set their own schedules and choose projects that align with their passions.
• Financial independence: Many find they can earn more as freelancers, business owners, or creators than they ever did in traditional jobs.
• Empowerment: Starting a business allows people to bypass gatekeepers, break glass ceilings, and create opportunities on their own terms.

Case in Point: Platforms like Etsy, TikTok, and Shopify have enabled millions of people to launch businesses, monetize hobbies, and thrive in ways traditional jobs never allowed.

8. A Broken Loyalty Contract

In the past, workers believed loyalty to a company would pay off with raises, promotions, and security. But today, that loyalty feels one-sided:

• Layoffs during record profits: Companies are cutting staff despite making billions in profit.
• Automation replacing jobs: Workers are being replaced by AI without plans for upskilling or reassignments.
• Disposable workers: Employees feel like numbers on a spreadsheet, not valued team members.

Entrepreneurship offers a way to take back control, putting loyalty where it belongs—toward oneself and one’s own goals which prompted the Great Resignation.

9. The Changing Face of Work

Workers aren’t just quitting bad jobs—they’re redefining what work should look like. This shift is about prioritizing:

• Mental health: Choosing flexible, lower-stress careers that align with personal well-being.
• Purpose: Working on projects that align with values rather than just chasing paychecks.
• Autonomy: Having a say in when, where, and how they work.

The Bottom Line: The Era of “Enough”

The Great Resignation was more than a moment—it was a message.

Workers are saying, Enough of the exploitation, the disrespect, and the broken promises. They’re demanding workplaces that value safety, balance, and growth—or they’re leaving to build lives and businesses on their own terms.

The question isn’t just why people refuse to work for someone else. It’s why traditional employers haven’t gotten the message. The future belongs to those who adapt—and to those brave enough to carve their own path.