Skip to content

Watch: The great employment reset & what’s driving South Africa’s shift toward independent work

                                                            #Resources Thumbnail (9)

Would you leave a stable job at a time when the job market feels uncertain?

For many professionals, the answer is no longer as straightforward as it used to be.

In this conversation, Johann van Niekerk, Managing Director of Outsized South Africa, joins Sechaba Gqeba on Living Redefined to discuss the emerging signs of the global Great Resignation trend in South Africa and why Johann believes it may be better understood as a “Great Employment Reset.”

From burnout and leave liability to remote work, flexibility, and changing career priorities, the discussion unpacks why more professionals are reassessing not just where they work, but how they want to work.

Watch the full recording here:

 

 

What you'll take away from the session:

  • Why burnout, pressure, and blurred work-life boundaries are driving people to rethink their careers

  • Why the “Great Resignation” is not one single trend, but a mix of burnout, opportunity, and changing priorities

  • How remote work has opened up new possibilities for independent consulting and cross-border opportunities

  • Why experienced professionals are increasingly exploring contract work, freelancing, and portfolio careers

  • What to consider before leaving a permanent role, from financial planning to professional networks

  • How companies can use independent talent to relieve pressure, reduce burnout, and access specialist skills

  • Why planning ahead matters before making the move into independent work

Hit play to understand what’s behind South Africa’s employment reset and how to prepare if you’re considering your own next move.

What is the Great Employment Reset?

 The Great Employment Reset describes how professionals are rethinking work beyond traditional employment, driven by burnout, flexibility, remote work, and a desire for careers that better fit their priorities 

Why are South African professionals considering independent work?

Many professionals are reassessing their careers due to work pressure, blurred boundaries, limited flexibility, and changing personal goals. Independent work offers more control, varied projects, and potential access to wider opportunities 

What should I consider before leaving a permanent job?

Before leaving, consider your financial runway, professional network, marketable skills, project pipeline, and whether you have a clear plan for finding work as a freelancer or independent consultant 

How can companies respond to burnout and talent shortages?

Companies can relieve pressure by using independent talent to fill specialist gaps, support overloaded teams, and access skills flexibly without relying only on permanent hiring 

 
, ,