The Great Resignation seems to be largely one of quitting a job that sucks and finding a new job that sucks at least somewhat less. Relatively few quits seem to be going into self-employment or gig life. Too much uncertainty. Income variations major. Hustling for work 24/7 not happy for many folks. Where is this all heading?
Life in the old normal was stable, predictable, manageable. Life in the new normal of constant major change is creating Darwinian survival challenges. Size and strength, or being the fittest, will not make you a winner (i.e., survival-plus-success). As Darwin wisely observed back around 1870, it is the most adaptable who ultimately come out on top. Just how do you go about this adaptability thing?
On a recent walk, I came across a masked mother and a young unmasked child. When the youngster spotted me, she ran toward me just beaming and waving. I couldn’t help but give her a big smile in return. The mother’s smile was barely visible. I see almost no smiles anymore. I miss them so much.
Charles Darwin, a nineteenth century English naturalist, geologist, and biologist who is best known for his contributions to the science of evolution had some very important views on survival. The ones who survive are not the strongest, nor the most intelligent, but those who are most adaptable to change.
