How to Stay Happy at Work During the “Big Stay”

First it was the Great Resignation, now it’s the “Big Stay.” This new workplace trend describes a shift towards fewer people job-hopping and instead hunkering down in their current roles. There are several reasons why this is happening, but it’s mostly due to the economy. Sectors like tech and financial services have had some big layoffs recently, so people may feel it's risky to try and move jobs only to face a job cut down the road.

As the saying goes, the devil you know is better than the one you don’t. For many people, staying in their current job is not a disaster—it just means holding off potentially better opportunities for a time. But what if you find yourself in the camp of wanting to bail from your current job but you just cannot quit right now?

If that’s the case, here are some tips for staying happy at work during the Big Stay.

1. Keep things in perspective

First things first, remember that this situation won’t last forever. As the shift from the Great Resignation to the Big Stay shows, employment trends can change quickly, often within just a few months. 

Remind yourself why you’re in this job. What are the positives this job provides—a steady paycheck, a flexible schedule, benefits for your family?  Focus on the good things and try to let go of any negatives that may be causing you stress.

2. Make the most of your time at your current job

While you are hunkering down, you might as well make the most of your current job. Even though you may plan to quit when an opportune moment arrives, it doesn’t mean you should settle for mediocre performance and do the bare minimum required of you. On the contrary, you should make an effort to go above and beyond and try to make a positive impact while you are there. Maybe you could take on new responsibilities or projects that excite you? 

This will not only keep things interesting but it will also improve your future work prospects. When you decide the time is right to move on, you'll have new accomplishments to add to your resume. 

3. Figure out why you're unhappy 

It's common for people to know they're not happy but not know why that's the case. Let's face it, a whole bunch of things can frustrate you at work, from a micromanaging boss, to an overly competitive (or not competitive enough) work environment, to the working hours. It could be that you don’t feel like you fit in with the rest of the team. Or maybe you don't like the tasks you're doing day in and day out. 

There is likely a combination of factors that is contributing to your dissatisfaction. So why not write them all down as a way to make sense of your feelings? 

Pinpointing the things that are causing you grief has two benefits. First, you may be surprised to discover that something you thought was a problem actually has an easy solution. For example,  if you're struggling with a new system or technology, maybe it's just a matter of getting some extra training. 

Secondly, understanding the root causes of your unhappiness can make you better equipped for your future job search. For example, if you are not happy at your job because of a micromanaging boss, you could ask your next prospective employer about the style of management they practice when exploring new opportunities.

4. Connect and expand your professional network

Having a solid professional network can be a game-changer, both for your current job satisfaction and for future career opportunities.  So, begin to network with people who can potentially help you land a new role once you are ready to leave your current one, or who can provide a sense of camaraderie and support while you’re in the Big Stay. 

Building connections now will help smooth the career transition later. And expanding your network may expose you to different perspectives and ideas that you can use to make your current job more enjoyable.

5. Cultivate a positive work environment

What does your work environment look like? Is it collaborative, supportive, go-getting, inspiring, predictable, chaotic or something else? Does it give you what you need to do your best work? Do you know what type of environment you need to do your best work? 

Your work environment plays a significant role in your overall job satisfaction, so you need to know what an ideal workplace looks like for you. The starting point is to take a career aptitude test. This will help you figure out what you need from the workplace, your boss and your team, and where the disconnect may be between what you have and what you need. 

Obviously, you will not be able to control every aspect of your job. But there may be things you can do to create a more positive atmosphere. For example, if the team's sociability is important to you, you can make an effort to bond with your colleagues, which can add a bit of brightness to your daily grind.  

6. Maintain a work-life balance

Maintaining a work-life balance is important for your wellbeing and well-rounded life, and it is even more so during the Big Stay period. To protect your “me” time, set specific work hours and stick to them as closely as possible. 

It’s important you don’t think about the job when you’re off the clock, so use this time to do something fun and enriching instead of just resting at home. Make an effort to do things you love that will take your mind off work completely. When you spend your weekends in a fun and meaningful way, you will come back to work feeling a lot more refreshed and motivated. 

Final words

Navigating the "Big Stay" and finding happiness at work during this period requires a shift in your mindset. Don’t make it about weathering the storm. Instead, look at it as an opportunity to set the stage for your future career move. You can lay the groundwork by expanding your professional networks and reflecting on what your ideal role and workplace looks like. 

In the meantime, try to make the most of your current situation by going above and beyond in your responsibilities, cultivating a positive work environment, and generally focusing on the positive aspects of your job. And, do something fun and engaging during your days off to compensate for your dissatisfaction.

And remember: your career is a lifelong journey and the "Big Stay" is just one chapter.