People are reevaluating their career paths, and you can too.

The United States is currently in the midst of an event that’s come to be known as the “Great Resignation.” People have been quitting their jobs in droves this year as the COVID-19 pandemic exposed a very ugly side of the economy. Those who feel overworked, disrespected, or undercompensated for their work (or all three) have departed their work and either taken some time for themselves or taken the chance to pursue newer (and hopefully better paying) opportunities.

Obviously, not everyone can afford to quit their job on the spot. The unfortunate truth of the working world, and something that’s actually spurred a lot of this movement forward, is the fact that many people are living paycheck-to-paycheck and can’t miss a single week if they want to keep their head above water. You should realize, however, if you’re working like that, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Your time and effort is valuable, and if you’re not being paid any more than the bare minimum, it may be time to cut your losses and make a clean getaway.

As for what happens next, well, that’s up to you. Some people have taken the time to schedule some much needed downtime and reconnect with family, friends, and hobbies. Others take it as an opportunity to explore new careers and learn new skills. If there’s an industry you’ve always wanted to break into, now is definitely the time. Even if you’re not looking for a long-term career, you can probably find a better job in something simple and temporary than what you had previously. Remember, everyone’s quitting, which means businesses are desperate for employees. The ball’s in your court, so you can negotiate for better wages and more flexible schedules.

Remember, you decide where your time goes and how valuable it is. If your work isn’t properly valuing your time, find someone else who will.