Many people (myself included) predicted a mass exodus of workers from their jobs when the economy picked up. According to a recent survey conducted by Robert Half International and OfficeTeam, a staffing service specializing in the placement of administrative professionals, it’s already happening.

According to Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam, the top reasons employees are quitting their jobs this spring include:

• Many professionals hunkered down during the recent recession and felt like they were lucky to just have a job. Now, they feel more confident that companies are hiring again and they can find a better opportunity.
• Not getting along with the boss is a major reason employees leave. A poor relationship with your manager can really take a toll on morale and prevent you from moving up in the firm.
• Many professionals leave for new opportunities with better pay, benefits or job titles.
• Lack of challenge on the job is another common reason people quit. Nobody likes to be bored.

You Can’t Make This Stuff Up

The survey did indicate, however, that some people leave current employment situations for unique and bizarre reasons. Respondent examples:

• “We had someone quit to participate in a reality show.”
• “An employee said it was his routine to change jobs every six months. ”
• “One worker quit to become an apple farmer.”
• “A guy said he was making too much money and didn’t feel he was worth it.”
• “Someone quit because she was going to live off her trust fund.”
• “One worker hated the lighting in the building.”

Vulnerable and Volatile Fields

How likely an employee is to quit these days depends in part on his or her field. Hosking says that OfficeTeam has seen increased demand in the following areas, which could indicate that professionals in these areas may be more open to changing jobs.

• Accounting and Finance: Staff and senior accountants, financial analysts, and business systems analysts
• Information Technology: Network and systems administrators, applications developers and web developers, desktop support, and help desk professionals
• Marketing and Advertising: Web designers/developers, account managers, and social media managers
• Legal: Lawyers, paralegals and legal support staff with general business/commercial law, labor and employment law, and litigation expertise
• Administrative Support: Executive and administrative assistants, human resources assistants, project assistants, and coordinators