But in the past 15 months, we've lived through a pandemic and a global recession, which led to mass burnout and a spike in voluntary resignations. This new normal means hybrid offices and awkward first encounters with coworkers.
One of the many changes 2021 has brought to the US job market – 9.2 million job openings. Job seekers have the advantage while on the hunt, but they need to know how to use it.
Navigating all the changes in our "work life" over the last year would make anyone's head spin.
Here are five things any worker who feels they are struggling with should know when trying to excel in their career.
Remote work eliminated work-life balance, but some companies are looking to compensate
The pandemic did not just eliminate in-person socialization but also divisions between the home and office. Chris Madden / Getty Images
The pandemic transformed our living rooms into our office spaces - not the healthiest change for those who already struggled with taking their work home with them.
Burnout has left 61% of Americans feeling at least somewhat burnout and more than 80% have reported that COVID-19 has been a source of change in their lives. With the pandemic causing undue stress on everyone, an unhealthy office culture only adds to the pressure.
Employers need to lead the way in implementing wellness techniques that teach their employees how to care for themselves, take their PTO, and take advantage of flexible work environments.
Low pay and unreasonable working conditions across the retail, hospitality, and fast food businesses have created a crisis of, "rage quitting." While it may feel good to walk out without notice, sometimes it is better to salvage professional connections.
Telling an employer you're leaving is never easy, but it's important to be candid.
Whether it be because of recession or resignation, a lot of candidates are on the job hunt.
Searching for a new role can be intimidating, but job seekers should always start by identifying which industries are hiring and what connections they have within them. After finding the job posting of your dreams it's all about perfecting your résumé, cover letter, and interview techniques.
Never underestimate the need to customize your application for every job posting - learn from the experts about how to stand out as the pool of job seekers grows.
Tips and tricks to help you land a coveted remote job
"Work from home" has become "work from anywhere" and many employees want the change to stick. EyesWideOpen/Getty Images
As lockdown dragged on, people were eager to return to in-person socialization, but the same can't be said for in-person work.
Freelancers and remote workers were quick to open their inboxes to provide their years of expertise to "conventional workers" who had to quickly set up home offices and adjust to Zoom meetings. And some vacation hotspots welcomed remote workers to bring their laptops and soak up the sun and WiFi.
For those who have been sold on remote work, staying at a company that is committed to providing flexibility is a priority. While many companies - such as Apple, Indeed, and Airbnb - have extended their work from home policies through much of 2021, finding a company that is committed to the practice permanently can be difficult. And the demand is high.
To set yourself up for success, learn what companies are hiring remote workers, how to talk to your boss about working from home, and what can make you stand out when applying for a remote job.
For those who plan to return to the office, new challenges are arising
As offices reopen across the country, in-person office culture slowly returns. Alvarez/Getty Images
Some employees are eager and nervous to see their coworkers face to face.
But spending over a year using your bed as a midday nap spot makes the transition to a populated office space even more difficult - especially if you've never even met your team.
While the change to working in an office again can be intimidating, for some workers it may be exactly what they need to get a break from hectic households and reconnect with their passions.
