How does work… well, work? Here are the 5 things every employee making a career change in 2021 should know

• Growing rates of burnout have transformed company culture and resulted in a "Great Resignation."
• Preferences between in-person and remote work continue to dictate employment decisions.
• This page will help you decide if it's time to get a new job and how to apply.

Work from home was supposed to be temporary.

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.

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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 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.

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Americans don't take nearly enough vacation days - and experts say it's because companies think about PTO all wrong

A day off work and 'Zoom-free Fridays' aren't going to cut it. Here's how to really tackle burnout.

The Great American Burnout is just beginning. Here are 5 ways managers can prevent the wave from hitting their teams.

A few small changes can make you happier at a job you don't like, experts say

Burnout rates are rising. Zoom-free Fridays and $250,000 bonuses are the tip of the iceberg. Cisco is solving the problem by going deeper into its culture.

LinkedIn's new VP of flex work shares 3 steps any company can use to create a hybrid work plan for all employees

If the last year has taught you anything, it's that you have the freedom to leave

For workers whose companies have failed to help prevent employee burnout, the pandemic has helped them realize one thing - it's time to quit.

As millions willingly choose to walk away from their jobs, in what economists have coined the "Great Resignation," some industries have been hit harder than others. In May, 5.3 million people voluntarily left their jobs.

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.

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Americans say the pandemic is changing their personalities - and managers need to take notice or risk losing people

Employees are quitting their jobs in record numbers. Here's how to tell if you're losing people for the right reasons.

Now may be the best time to switch jobs - and make more money

A workplace expert shares the exact steps you should take to quit your job without burning bridges

Expert advice to guide you in the job hunt

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.

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Use this email template from a LinkedIn career expert to network and find a new job

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Job seekers have all the power right now. Here are 7 questions you should definitely ask in your next job interview.

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Tips and tricks to help you land a coveted remote job

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.

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This chart shows the type of jobs that are still working from home

The city with the most high-paying jobs isn't a city - it's remote work. Here are 6 steps to landing a WFH role you love.

Use this template from a career coach to revamp your résumé and land a remote job anywhere in the world

How can I tell a hiring manager that I want to be fully remote?

For those who plan to return to the office, new challenges are arising

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.

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Feeling burned out? It might be time to return to the office.

Meeting your colleagues IRL for the first time? Here are 6 ways to squash the anxiety and make a good impression.