It’s no secret that more and more people are stepping away from the grind—many are simply over it.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6.4 million people aren’t in the workforce but still want a job, with that number up by 722,000 in just the past year.
These folks aren’t officially considered unemployed because they’re not actively job hunting, but it’s clear that something’s shifting. Burnout, the pursuit of a better work-life balance, and the rise of side hustles are all contributing to this trend.
If you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering why so many are hitting pause on traditional work. Well, here are 17 reasons why more people are turning away from work—and you might just find a few that hit close to home!
Low pay that doesn’t match living costs
Wages have essentially remained flat while everything else has skyrocketed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, real wages have increased by only 7.4% since 1979, while productivity has jumped by 59.7%.
Meanwhile, rent, groceries, and healthcare costs have skyrocketed. People are doing the math and realizing that working 40+ hours a week still leaves them struggling to afford necessities. When your paycheck can’t cover rent and groceries, why wouldn’t you question the whole system?
Toxic workplace cultures
Nobody wants to spend their days walking on eggshells around difficult managers. A 2023 study by MIT found that toxic workplace culture was the leading driver of employee turnover, surpassing inadequate compensation as the primary cause.
We’re talking about environments where micromanagement rules, bullying goes unchecked, and employees feel more like expendable resources than human beings. Life’s too short to spend it in a place that makes you miserable.
The mental health crisis at work
Burnout isn’t just feeling tired after a long day – it’s a legitimate medical condition. The World Health Organization officially recognized burnout as an occupational phenomenon in 2019.
With 76% of employees reporting workplace burnout according to Gallup, it’s clear that many jobs are literally making people sick. When your work is destroying your mental health, stepping away becomes self-preservation, not laziness.
Remote work changed everything
The pandemic demonstrated that many office jobs can be performed remotely, eliminating the need for a physical office. Still, many companies now demand in-person attendance, reintroducing commute time, transportation costs, and rigid schedules.
This shift overlooks the efficiency and autonomy that workers gained while working remotely. Once you’ve worked without office politics and dress codes, returning feels regressive. Employers risk alienating talent by prioritizing control over flexibility.
Lack of work-life balance
Remember when “work-life balance” wasn’t just corporate buzzword bingo? Many employers still expect 24/7 availability, weekend work, and constant connectivity.
A 2016 survey cited in Engoo Daily News reported that 71% of US workers checked office email outside standard hours, including early mornings and late evenings. People are realizing that having a life outside work isn’t a luxury – it’s essential for actually enjoying the life you’re working to build.
Limited career growth opportunities
Getting promoted feels like winning the lottery these days. Companies are flatter than ever, with fewer middle management positions and limited advancement paths.
When you can see there’s nowhere to go but sideways, why invest your best years in a dead-end situation? In my opinion, people are wise to look elsewhere.
The gig economy offers more flexibility
Traditional employment is no longer the only option. Platforms like Uber, Fiverr, and TaskRabbit have shown people they can earn money on their own terms.
Gig work has its challenges, but it offers something many traditional jobs don’t – control over your schedule and the ability to diversify income streams. For many, the trade-off of stability for flexibility is worth it.
Rising costs of childcare
Childcare costs have become absolutely ridiculous. The average annual cost of childcare in the US is $13,128, according to Child Care Aware, with some areas reaching $ 20,000 or more.
For many parents, especially mothers, the math doesn’t work out. When your entire paycheck goes to childcare, staying home to raise your kids becomes the more logical financial choice.
Student loan debt burden
College promised a better future, but delivered crushing debt instead. The average student loan debt is now over $29,000 per graduate, with many owing six figures.
When your degree-requiring job barely pays enough to cover loan payments, let alone living expenses, the whole “go to college, get a good job” narrative falls apart. People are questioning whether traditional career paths are worth the decades of debt they entail.
The rise of passive income opportunities
Why trade time for money when you can make money work for you? Investment apps, cryptocurrency, real estate crowdfunding, and online courses have made passive income more accessible.
These aren’t get-rich-quick schemes; they offer potential paths to financial independence that don’t require 40 years of climbing corporate ladders. Smart people are diversifying their income sources.
Automation and job insecurity
Nobody wants to invest in a job that might not exist in five years. AI and automation are reshaping the job market at an unprecedented pace, and workers can see the writing on the wall.
McKinsey estimates that up to 375 million workers globally may need to change occupations by 2030 due to automation. When job security is already shaky, why not explore alternatives now?
Changing definitions of success
Success doesn’t have to mean climbing the corporate ladder anymore. Social media has exposed people to different lifestyles and definitions of achievement. Travel bloggers, digital nomads, and lifestyle entrepreneurs are showing alternative ways to live.
When you see people building fulfilling lives outside traditional employment, the 9-to-5 grind starts to lose its appeal. Fyi, time and experiences matter more than salary beyond meeting basic needs.
The entrepreneurship appeal
Starting your own business has never been more accessible. Social media marketing, e-commerce platforms, and digital tools have significantly lowered the barriers to entrepreneurship.
Sites like Shopify report over 4.8 million active stores, demonstrating the increasing number of people choosing to bet on themselves instead of relying on employers. The potential for unlimited earnings beats a salary cap any day.
Healthcare tied to employment
The employer-based healthcare system is, in fact, a complex and flawed system. People stay in jobs they hate solely for the health insurance. In contrast, others can’t afford the premiums, even with employer contributions.
This system creates a weird dependency that many find suffocating. With healthcare costs continuing to rise, some individuals are exploring alternative ways to obtain coverage that is not tied to a specific employer.
Ageism in the workplace
Getting older shouldn’t make you unemployable, but it often does. AARP research shows that 61% of workers over 45 have experienced age discrimination. When companies prioritize “digital natives” and “fresh perspectives,” experienced workers get pushed out. Rather than fighting an unfair system, many older workers are opting for early retirement or consulting work, where their experience is highly valued and sought after.
Environmental and ethical concerns
More people are thinking about the impact of their work. A job that clashes with your values—be it environmental, social, or ethical—can feel draining. Even a good salary may not make up for that disconnect.
Workers increasingly want meaning, not just money. They’re seeking roles that align with their values. Purpose and principle are becoming key factors in career choices.
The great resignation aftermath
The pandemic gave people time to reflect on what really matters. Millions of Americans quit their jobs in 2021-2022, not just to find better ones, but to completely rethink their relationship with work.
This collective awakening showed that work doesn’t have to be the center of your identity. When entire generations witnessed this shift, it normalized the idea that you can walk away from situations that don’t serve you.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices Spike Again
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices Spike Again
I was in the grocery store the other day, and it hit me—I’m buying the same things I always do, but my bill keeps getting higher. Like, I swear I just blinked, and suddenly eggs are a luxury item. What’s going on?
Inflation, supply-chain delays, and erratic weather conditions have modestly (or, let’s face it, dramatically) pushed the prices of staples ever higher. The USDA reports that food prices climbed an additional 2.9% year over year in May 2025—and that’s after the inflation storm of 2022–2023.
So, if you’ve got room in a pantry, freezer, or even a couple of extra shelves, now might be a good moment to stock up on these staple groceries—before the prices rise later.
6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
We scoured the Internet to see what people had to say about gas station food. If you think the only things available are wrinkled hot dogs of indeterminate age and day-glow slushies, we’ve got great, tasty news for you. Whether it becomes part of a routine or your only resource on a long car trip, we have the food information you need.
Let’s look at 6 gas stations that folks can’t get enough of and see what they have for you to eat.
