The Great Resignation: Why I Quit My Restaurant Job

Like millions of Americans, Jessica Thomas found herself abruptly unemployed in 2020 after the restaurant she worked out struggled to reopen during the pandemic. Now she works as a longshorewoman. Uncertain when her job would restart, the New Jersey resident found herself at home relying on unemployment benefits. Her husband Derrick, who works as a bartender, faced a similar dilemma. On the advice of her brother-in-law, Jessica applied for a job at the Port of Newark, N.J., home to the East Coast’s busiest port. Now, the mother of three spends her workdays loading and unloading cargo ships that bring in electronics, apparel and consumer goods from around the world. Check out this video to learn more about why Thomas made the switch and to see how the career change is going. Subscribe to CNBC Make It.: About CNBC Make It.: CNBC Make It. is a new section of CNBC dedicated to making you smarter about managing your business, career, and money. Connect with CNBC Make It. Online Get th