Founding Principal and Managing Director, Craig Robson

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Do you know someone who left their job this year? I recently read an article that reported U.S. workers left their jobs 20 million times between April and August, and that doesn’t include retirements. It’s 60% higher than the same time frame last year.1 The article also references a Bureau of Labor Statistics report, which notes a steady increase in people switching jobs vs. staying home.2 Whether the person quits to take on a new position, to go back to school, or care for a family member, their decision is part of a movement that some are calling, The Great Resignation.

This caused me to reflect on our economy and what an interesting time it is for someone to take a professional risk and make a change. Currently, individuals have a rare opportunity in this economic environment. There is an abundance of job openings and employers are having to fiercely compete for talent by offering larger wages and benefits.

Speaking from personal experience, it's easy to stay in your comfort zone. Yet, when I reflect on the times I’ve taken a professional risk, I realize I was rewarded for my decision. Look, taking a risk isn't always fun. You have to be willing to dig in and own your decision. You need to do your homework and understand the risks and rewards. Your decision might push you to learn a new trade, earn a new degree, move your family to a new city and trust in the guidance of your support system.

I’m interested in hearing about the decisions you made that impacted your professional journey, and how those decisions hopefully benefited you and even brought on outcomes you didn’t expect.

A perfect segue regarding risk… you may not realize, but November is historically a strong month for the equity markets. Especially when the markets were positive heading into November, and this year the S&P 500 is up 24.05% through the end of October.3 Also, it’s important to note that from 1945 through 2021 when the S&P 500 was positive 15% or greater, YTD through October, the month of November has averaged 2.8% and the remainder of the year averaged 4.85%.4 In my view, history generally has a way of repeating itself, so these numbers bode well for the last two months of 2021.

To be clear, I am not presenting these numbers to advocate that one should ignore their personal risk profile, but rather to acknowledge the fact pattern in front of us and to not let personal feelings override a prudent asset allocation policy decision.

I will close this Craig's Corner with an anonymous quote. Yet, I'd like to mention first, while I’m not a very good dancer, one of my favorite movies growing up was Saturday Night Fever. "Opportunity dances with those on the dance floor.”

Craig Robson

Founding Principal and Managing Director