A CHANGING AMERICAN WORKFORCE: HOW GEOSCIENTISTS PREPARE TO NAVIGATE A CAREER THROUGH THE GREAT RESIGNATION AND COVID-19 PANDEMIC

As many geoscientists enter the workforce or navigate the early stages of their careers, there are naturally many obstacles to overcome such as getting as job, career advancement, and obtaining licensure. Now, early career professionals are navigating an additional set of obstacles that are seemingly unique to the traditional American workforce. As the COVID-19 Pandemic started to take shape about three years ago, companies and government entities are challenged with navigating topics such as teleworking, work-life balance, and toxic work culture. We are seeing these problems firsthand as we navigate an era coined as “the great resignation” and workers having labels such as “quite-quitters.” These difficulties are impacting existing and new employees across all industries. It’s imperative that resources are provided to rising early career geoscientist to prepare themselves professionally and personally by being grounded in workplace expectations; learning to navigate boundaries and toxic work culture; identifying personal strengths and areas for growth for effective leadership; and finding balance in the face of uncertainty and chaos.