What if Everybody Quit Their Jobs All at Once?

Imagine a hypothetical scenario where every single person on earth simultaneously decided to quit their job. Would the transition be smooth, or would it lead to unprecedented chaos?

The Transition Period

If everyone were to quit and then seek employment at different companies, the initial transition period would likely last a few days, while people adjust to their new roles. While specific skills are often company-specific, such as an airplane mechanic, these skills can be transferred to other companies, ensuring that the essential services continue to function. For instance, an airplane mechanic might switch to another airline but would still possess the necessary skills to perform their job effectively.

The Fall of Global Infrastructure

However, the scenario becomes far more problematic if everyone simply quit and did not seek employment anywhere. If the world were to be devoid of workers, the ramifications would be devastating. Within a month, the global food supply chain would collapse, leading to mass starvation. Grocery stores would run out of food faster than it would take them to restock, and a break in the delivery of essential goods would lead to severe shortages. Even if a person were to have their own garden, it would likely not sustain them for long compared to the needs of a rapidly growing population.

The Collapse of Modern Civilization

The collapse of civilization in such a scenario would be swift and severe. The lack of supermarket food, the failure of power grids, and the breakdown of communication systems would all occur almost immediately. Life After People, a TV series that illustrates how human civilization would disintegrate in its absence, offers a chilling glimpse into what the aftermath might look like.

The Chaotic Aftermath

Even a smaller-scale scenario, where 99.9% of the workforce decided to quit, would lead to an immediate breakdown of modern infrastructures. Automated systems that rely on constant human oversight, such as power supplies, gas and electricity, and food supply chains, would quickly fail. Communication and internet services, too, would cease to function. Law and order would break down, as people start to fight over basic necessities for survival.

The Aftermath for Businesses

The business world would be heavily impacted. Large corporations with complex supply chains would likely fail, as their operations depend on a continuous flow of goods and services. Small businesses, on the other hand, might survive for a brief period, as their owners would personally ensure that their establishments remain operational by working around the clock. However, this temporary success would be fleeting, as the disintegration of the supply chain would make it impossible for these businesses to continue functioning.

Concluding Thoughts

The consequences of a mass resignation of this magnitude are profound and far-reaching. While the immediate effects might be analogous to a fun party, the long-term repercussions would undoubtedly lead to a catastrophic collapse of modern civilization. This hypothetical scenario serves as a reminder of the critical role that each individual plays in the functioning of society and the economic system.