We are in the midst of the Great Resignation. In April, there was a record-breaking number of workers who resigned in a single month. That number was surpassed again in July and then in August, with 4.3 million, or nearly 3% of the American workforce, calling it quits. Workers in almost every industry have been resigning, but those in the hospitality and leisure business and younger, lower-income workers have been especially keen to switch occupations. At the end of the summer, one in 14 employees in the accommodations and food service sector left their roles.

Economists are still trying to pinpoint why this remarkable exodus of employees is happening, but some factors that have encouraged quitting include stimulus checks and other government benefits providing temporary relief to try something new; frustration with prolonged stagnancy in pay and a lack of flexibility in jobs; greater forgiveness for student loan and rent payments; family responsibilities from closed schools and uncertain statuses of business openings; and customer unruliness at an all-time high. The most recent wave of resignations consists largely of those who stuck around while their colleagues quit and then experienced burnout with having to assume too many responsibilities.

Whichever the reason, Covid-19 derailing plans has inspired many to reflect on their priorities and goals and embrace a professional pivot.

If you are considering a career change, it can be daunting to know where to start, especially if you don’t have an idea of the field you would like to explore. A great strategy for making a switch is identifying a career path that utilizes soft skills you already possess, is in high demand, and offers real growth opportunities. Technology is a fantastic route to fulfill these aims.

In tech, there is a desperate need for talent and not enough of it to go around.

The pandemic has caused companies that are not solely tech-focused to place a much bigger emphasis on digital, with businesses dependent on tools like QR codes and ordering systems, remote video conferencing, more robust and functional websites, and sophisticated e-commerce platforms. 40% of companies hired tech staff during the pandemic and 66% have plans to add more in the coming year. Tech role salaries are on the rise and employers are offering greater flexibility and benefits to recruit desirable candidates, who get to be more selective with where they bring their skills in this competitive market. Additionally, a report on talent shortage found that 46% of U.S. employers reported finding tech talent as their primary concern. Looking further into the future, the US could face a projected deficit of 6 million high-tech workers and lose out on $162 billion worth of revenues annually unless enough skilled people can fill these jobs by 2030.

This extreme need for technology skills is coupled with a market full of vacant positions. As of early September, there were 1.2 active job postings in roles like software developer or programmer in the US. Indeed’s September data also revealed a 73% increase in software development role postings since February, while total overall postings in the US were up by 43%, showcasing just how attractive this market should be for those considering a career change. LinkedIn reports that the number of openings in the US for jobs in the software and IT industry has grown by a massive 119% since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well.

Software engineering is a great field to enter for those considering a career change, even if you have no technical knowledge.

Despite how promising this trajectory seems, it is common for career changers to feel nervous about entering the tech industry with no prior experience. It does not have to be a scary switch, however, because programs like Momentum are designed to teach coding with true beginners’ levels in mind. Technology also overlaps with soft skills honed in other industries, especially those experiencing the most reshuffling during the Great Resignation; for example, the strong communication, adaptability, sense of urgency, and creative problem solving critical to succeeding as a food server are also important traits for programmers to excel in their work.

Momentum graduate Sara Dye recently made the transition from service work into programming. Despite not previously having a tech background, Sara found that many of the skills she had been developing in her 10+ years of retail experience such as stellar communication, leadership, and collaboration abilities have transferred well into programming. At the end of her energizing first week employed as a software engineer, Sara said that she fully realized how well-prepared she was for her new role.

Not only did Momentum instruct me in technologies that are in demand with clients, but they also boosted my soft skills in areas like teamwork and agile development. Momentum has been the perfect launching pad for this rewarding and marketable career field. – Sara

The staggering amount of individuals considering a career change converging with the need for talent in the tech sphere makes now the perfect time to try out coding. Contact our admissions advisor today to learn how a software engineering bootcamp can equip you with sought-after skills and set you off on an incredible career path.