The hottest Employment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

VINDICATED! (sadly). The govt can no longer hide the decline in jobs

COVID Reason • 812 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Employment Economy Government Labor Market Public Policy
  1. Job losses in the private sector are alarming, with 28,000 jobs lost, especially in manufacturing and retail. This shows a real problem in the economy.
  2. Government jobs increased by 40,000, which may cover up serious issues in other job sectors. This is a sign the economy isn't as strong as it looks.
  3. The labor force is shrinking, with many not participating anymore and unemployment rising. This trend is not sustainable and needs urgent attention.

In the Light of Victory, He Himself Shall Disappear

The Intrinsic Perspective • 11333 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Employment Innovation Society Economy
  1. AI is changing the job landscape quickly. Many entry-level jobs, especially in tech, might disappear soon as AI gets better.
  2. Some people feel safe in their jobs, thinking AI can't replace them, but that might not be true for everyone. Many workers could end up feeling like outdated lamplighters.
  3. Progress often comes with loss. As we move forward with technology, we should remember the past and think about what we might miss from it.

Indian immigration is great for America

Noahpinion • 28529 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Technology Employment Policy Debate Cultural Identity
  1. Indian immigration has a positive impact on the U.S., especially in the tech sector, where many skilled workers come from India. These workers help boost innovation and drive economic growth.
  2. H-1B visa holders, mostly from India, do not harm American workers and can actually lead to more job creation. Studies show that hiring these skilled workers can benefit native-born tech employees as well.
  3. There's increasing backlash against Indian immigrants from some right-wing groups, which reflects broader issues of cultural identity in America. It's important to recognize that diversity enriches the nation rather than divides it.

Federal workers fired to improve efficiency - media outraged; Federal workers fired for not complying with an unethical vaccine mandate - media silent

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 221 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Vaccine Mandates Employment Public Policy Government Ethics
  1. The media shows a double standard when covering different types of worker firings. They react strongly to layoffs for efficiency but often ignore firings for not taking vaccines.
  2. Vaccine mandates raised ethical concerns because they did not significantly protect others and forced individuals to lose their jobs. Many people who were fired have not been given a voice in media discussions.
  3. The way the media reports on firings affects public trust in vaccines. Layoffs from companies like Elon Musk's may feel random, but firings due to vaccine mandates can lead to specific anger and distrust.

Power Is Shifting Rapidly to Indie Creators

The Honest Broker • 11037 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
💼 Business Employment Entrepreneurship Creativity Economy Industry
  1. Aiming,~to~in~indf~tmk~to~t~p~t~by~!~c:~g~!who',~Qtmr~n~t~! Not~!n~cn~!in~IICg=~or~tn~hi~to~t!~dm~h:~!~dm~!i/Qg~m,~!for~gm~:
  2. f !t t x~i~!cn~!t~f,~o~t~m~!',~c~f|t~~,~ndt:~g! Un~:g:~f:~gt~b~t~i~n~g~f~d! R:~!~n~t!r =Cook,~g: m :~g,~m|t:~t~i~r~fi:~f~:~t~ d~m~n:=~f,
  3. !
  4. ~hx:~!in~g~f ,~o~ L�t~!~f~big~~!~m~w~iy,~g:~n~x~d~TM~Nrt!~hmt d~==~!~~~:~n~iz~=~ng~ng~g;~f~i~ ;}~d~;}~tn:~dd=~io~g~th;~t~ fg~h~dn~tnd~g:~cr~x~b~t!< ~f~;~n!~ |!~fm/n d~g~f~c~O~:~
  5. !!~g; of! !~b!h|~!ng~ ~h~L~h (h!)~:~f~I~h~c~:~;}~=~g~t~f;~md_t~o~d:~d|f!~d!}}~!g}~t~t~dt~c=d~h~crn!~n~p!~g~; ;gt~b,~fi:~mt~gf_~d;~~d}~h)|~ g~di~C~!~dt~h~VTD~dd~|ng~d\~p:~;g~t~g~fr~dm=~!~I~th~g~ri~;:~w;~g~~p~tn~b~h~~f~x~d~f:
  6. g!g~htd}}~g~g~f~O~tn;~R_g~c~h_h~?_:~!~O~i~o~d?~ii:n~!g~\~h~:~ ~xf!~!g! g~t|~I;~bF~r~c~d: f~Nt~r~t~|g/|~fn~;~!h$~!f~;d~;~dI:=~W~t~I;|~|
  7. !!g;~k:~cd!~g=~|~!k~t~no~h~~rd~h~n~d:~r:~@~!f~;~tn~g@~#~|$;~;}~I:n/g~nt~|~I~|
  8. !!
  9. !
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Dirty Work: The Return of Blue Collar

State of the Future • 144 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
💼 Business Employment Economics Labor Automation Education
  1. AI is taking over many white-collar jobs, especially those that are routine and easily automated. Many of these roles aren't as valuable as we once thought.
  2. There are plenty of blue-collar jobs available that can provide real satisfaction and meaning. These jobs often require skills that AI cannot replicate.
  3. Blue-collar jobs are likely to gain more respect and higher status in the future. We should encourage young people to consider these careers now.

Will AI Take Your Job? Deconstructing Job Descriptions To Understand What Roles Are Most Vulnerable

High ROI Data Science • 297 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
💼 Business Automation Employment AI Impact Market Trends
  1. Job descriptions might not fully show what a role truly involves, which can lead to misunderstandings about automation risks. Some essential skills of great workers aren't even mentioned.
  2. As AI improves, many tasks in roles like AI Product Manager and Java Developer could be automated. Workers need to consider upskilling if a large part of their job can be done by AI.
  3. Data scientists may face reduced demand as companies prefer to buy AI solutions instead of building them. They might need to shift focus to more customer-facing roles to stay relevant.

The Value of Foreign Diplomas

Cremieux Recueil • 483 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Education Employment Economics Policy
  1. People often assume that a degree from a prestigious school means a candidate is more qualified, but the same should apply to comparing U.S. natives with immigrants. Many immigrants may not have the same skills or education levels as U.S. natives who have degrees.
  2. Research shows that immigrants with foreign degrees often perform worse than U.S. natives with degrees in tests of literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving. This suggests a gap in skills that may not be recognized.
  3. Reforming immigration by focusing on skill-based assessments rather than just degrees could lead to better outcomes for the U.S. It would allow for hiring more skilled immigrants while still benefiting the native population.

Why your LinkedIn is about to get very busy

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 6359 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
💼 Business Employment Job Market Company Culture
  1. Many people are unhappy with their jobs and looking to switch. A lot of employees feel under-compensated and are actively searching for new opportunities.
  2. Paparazzi often take risks to capture celebrity moments, even during natural disasters. Some question whether the images are worth the danger involved.
  3. Mark Zuckerberg's claims about free speech seem insincere, as he continues to censor content under pressure from the government. Both political sides prioritize controlling speech that opposes them.

Are you high agency?

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3642 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Social Issues Political trends Employment
  1. The term 'high agency' is trending in Silicon Valley, describing people who seize opportunities and take action.
  2. This phrase hints at a strong individualistic mindset, which can overlook various challenges people face in life.
  3. The struggles of journalists like Miranda Green highlight serious issues in the media industry, emphasizing the need for independent reporting.

The job market is a market

Wednesday Wisdom • 123 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💼 Business Employment Market Trends Compensation Labor relations Corporate culture
  1. The job market is just like any other market. Companies offer certain salaries and benefits to attract workers, but this can change based on demand and supply.
  2. When times are good, companies provide great perks to keep talent, but when the market shifts, they can cut back on salaries and benefits.
  3. It's important for job seekers to understand their worth in the market but also to be flexible when conditions change. Being aware that the job landscape can vary will help in making better career choices.

January 2025 Residential Construction

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 42 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
💰 Finance Real Estate Economic Trends Construction Employment Market Analysis
  1. Residential construction jobs are not increasing much and have been stable. This suggests a slow period for the construction industry.
  2. The number of new construction starts was lower this month, indicating potential challenges ahead for the housing market.
  3. Despite issues in construction, there's a lot of political noise happening, which makes the calm in construction seem strange.

Young People Can't Get Jobs. Now What?

State of the Future • 228 implied HN points • 15 May 25
💼 Business Employment Economy Education Entrepreneurship Technology
  1. AI is causing entry-level jobs to disappear, especially for young graduates. Many of the roles that students are training for are fading away fast.
  2. Youth unemployment is increasing, with recent grads struggling to find work. The job market is looking worse for them compared to the overall workforce.
  3. We need new ideas and solutions to help young people find work. Programs that encourage entrepreneurship and skilled trades can help them build careers even as traditional job paths vanish.

Apparently, A Lot Of Aspirational Elites Think Working At Chipotle or Panda Express Is Beneath Them Even Though It Absolutely Is Not

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 3181 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Work ethic Social Class Employment Perceptions
  1. Many wealthy or aspiring people look down on jobs at fast food places like Chipotle and Panda Express. They think it's not a good job, but that's not true.
  2. Working in fast food can actually be a valuable experience, teaching important skills and work ethics.
  3. Everyone should respect all types of work, no matter the job's status or pay, because every job has its own importance.

On ne te virera pas

L'Atelier Galita • 79 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
💼 Business Employment Management Career development Negotiation
  1. Most people worry too much about getting fired when they actually have a lot of protection once they are in a permanent job. Employers need a real reason to let someone go after the trial period.
  2. Don't rush to resign without a good reason. Being fired can give you unemployment benefits, while quitting usually won't. You're safer in a job than you might think.
  3. Your worth in the job market matters a lot. The more skills you have, the less likely you'll be fired, and the better conditions you can negotiate.

Les bénéfices de mon CDI

L'Atelier Galita • 119 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
💼 Business Employment Work Life Social Issues Personal Finance Career development
  1. A permanent job offers great financial security and strong social benefits. This means stable income and protection from hard times.
  2. Being self-employed can make you work harder than you should, as there's no one to tell you when to take a break. Some self-employed people might even forget to take vacations.
  3. Having a structured job means you have set times to interact with others and avoid feeling lonely. It also allows for a balance in your daily routine without forcing you into a rigid schedule.

So you want to be a pirate, eh matey?

Jeff Giesea • 558 implied HN points • 14 Aug 24
💼 Business Employment Work Culture Remote work Gig Economy Career development
  1. Job-stacking is when people hold multiple full-time remote jobs at the same time, mainly in tech fields. Some think it's unethical because it can trick employers.
  2. Supporters argue job-stacking is okay as long as people do their jobs well and there are no secret issues. They feel the current job market is unreliable, so they find new ways to cope.
  3. The job landscape is changing, and job-stacking could be a sign that we need new work models. While not for everyone, it might push us to think differently about employment.

Top Links 582 The EU-US divergence. Climate adaptation. Consuming Baghdad. Class is not a thing its a happening.

Chartbook • 414 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Economy Employment Class Climate
  1. There's a noticeable difference between how the EU and US are handling policies and strategies. This divergence affects various areas like trade and climate issues.
  2. As climate change impacts increase, there's a growing need for effective adaptation strategies to deal with these changes. Communities worldwide are developing plans to better cope with climate impacts.
  3. The concept of class is evolving; it's seen more as a dynamic process influenced by current events rather than a fixed social status. This view can change our understanding of social structures.

Feeble Jobs Report

Points And Figures • 1039 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Employment Government Elections Policy
  1. The recent jobs report shows a big reliance on government jobs, which many think is not a good sign for the economy. Without these jobs, things would look much worse.
  2. Government spending isn't really helping the economy grow. Taxes and debt fund this spending, but they don't create real jobs in the private sector.
  3. A potential change in leadership could mean a big cut in government jobs, which might lead to more opportunities in private industry instead.

🎭✨ Ben Affleck’s wise words on AI

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Economics Innovation Automation Employment
  1. New technology, like AI, can help reduce costs. This can make it easier for more people to access entertainment and creative content.
  2. There's a common fear that robots will take over jobs, but it's important to understand how technology can create new opportunities instead.
  3. Adapting to new technologies can lead to a demand for different skills. Learning and evolving with technology is key to staying relevant in the job market.

Texts: Mark Cuban discriminated against unvaxxed journalists, said he would only agree to be interviewed if they took shots & promoted vaccine

The Dossier • 5405 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Vaccination Journalism Employment
  1. Mark Cuban refused to do interviews with unvaccinated journalists.
  2. Cuban tried to incentivize a journalist to get vaccinated in exchange for appearing on their show.
  3. Cuban promoted vaccination on his shows and required employees to be vaccinated.

Who Is Owed a Job?

Marginally Compelling • 20 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Employment Education Social Issues Workforce Inequality
  1. Blaming individuals for job market issues is not fair. The social contract has changed, and many can't find jobs that match their skills.
  2. There's a concern over college graduates taking low-skilled jobs after investing so much time and money in their education. It feels wrong to work in food service when you studied for something more advanced.
  3. People are arguing about job choices but often misunderstand each other's views. Some think college-educated workers believe they are above other jobs, while others emphasize that all work is valuable.

Movers, Shakers, & Money Makers (10/14)

Human Capitalist • 19 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
💼 Business Employment Management Finance Marketing Job Changes
  1. Several key job changes happened recently, showing interesting shifts in various industries. People are moving to new roles that might change their companies significantly.
  2. Big tech alumni are finding new opportunities in different fields, indicating a trend of high talent being reused across industries. This could lead to innovation in sectors outside big tech.
  3. Monitoring job changes can be valuable for investors, recruiters, or anyone interested in career movements. Staying updated helps you know where talent is heading.

December 2024 Residential Construction

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 84 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💼 Business Construction Employment Economics Market Trends Real Estate
  1. Construction jobs are slowly increasing, reflecting overall job growth in the economy. This could mean more houses being built soon.
  2. There seems to be uncertainty in the construction market, as it doesn't fit historical patterns. It's unclear if residential construction jobs will continue to rise or stabilize.
  3. A lag in supply chains might be causing delays in construction. This suggests that the housing market might improve once those supply issues are resolved.

Lawler: Revisions Almost Eliminate Household/Establishment Survey Employment Growth Gap

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 23 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
💰 Finance Economics Employment Surveys Demographics Labor Market
  1. The Household Survey and Establishment Survey both track employment, but there was a significant gap in their growth estimates over the years. Recent updates have nearly closed this gap.
  2. New population estimates showed that previous estimates of employment growth were too low, mainly due to underestimating international migration. This has led to a big revision upward in the Household Survey employment numbers.
  3. Now, both surveys show similar employment growth trends, which suggests that the labor market may not be as weak as previously thought.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #104

Creative Destruction • 41 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Employment Class Capitalism Inequality
  1. Young people are struggling to find jobs despite having skills and experience. They often feel frustrated because it seems like jobs are only available through connections and luck, rather than hard work.
  2. We are shifting from a meritocracy, where hard work matters, to an 'inheritocracy' where family wealth plays a big role in opportunities. This makes it harder for those without financial support to succeed.
  3. The fast pace of life and reliance on technology often stress people out. Instead of helping us, it feels like we're collapsing under pressure, losing our ability to focus and maintain balance.

When Will AI Take Your Job?

Uncharted Territories • 2908 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🕹 Technology AI Automation Employment Productivity Innovation
  1. Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly and may lead to job automation, especially in intellectual and unregulated fields.
  2. Industries that can withstand automation vary based on factors like demand saturation, regulations, and non-informational work components.
  3. New businesses are easier to start but may not create a large number of jobs, leading to a future with more billionaire founders and few employed individuals.

Chia tay Google

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 4233 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
💼 Business Career Employment Tech Gratitude
  1. The author has decided to leave Google after nearly 12 years, feeling sad about this personal decision.
  2. The author jokingly chose April Fools' Day to announce this decision but ultimately feels the weight of the farewell.
  3. Working at Google was a dream come true for the author, and they express deep gratitude towards their colleagues and friends.

Top Links 535 Are long-term jobs disappearing? Air-conditioning's power demands. The sphere in trouble & red necks and red bandanas.

Chartbook • 300 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Employment Economy Job Market Public Policy Social Issues
  1. Long-term jobs in the US are increasingly hard to find. Many people are worried about job security and the future of work.
  2. Air conditioning demands a lot of energy, which is becoming a bigger issue. This raises questions about sustainability and energy consumption.
  3. There are cultural and social topics related to 'red necks' and 'red bandanas'. These discussions explore identity and community in different contexts.

MBAs and the death of credentialism

Hot Takes • 1041 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
💼 Business Education Employment Experience Networks Knowledge
  1. In the internet age, real-world experience like running a business is more valuable than just academic theory.
  2. In creative fields like marketing, MBAs are becoming less relevant due to a lack of real experience and understanding.
  3. With the democratization of knowledge online, the necessity of a fancy MBA degree is diminishing, and real-world contributions hold more weight.

What happens if mass unemployment never arrives

State of the Future • 126 implied HN points • 05 Mar 25
💼 Business Employment Automation Work Culture Economic Impact Technology Trends
  1. Mass unemployment might not happen, but instead, we may see job roles that are less meaningful or filled with busywork. This could lead to people being employed without feeling fulfilled.
  2. The speed of AI's impact on jobs is much faster than previous technologies. Workers may struggle to adapt since the transitions that used to take generations are now happening in just a few years.
  3. People might still need jobs for their sense of identity and purpose, even if those jobs are not necessary for the economy. Finding meaning in work could become a bigger issue than just having a job or not.

America's Productivity Boom

Apricitas Economics • 105 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Productivity Employment Investments Labor Market
  1. America's productivity is growing really fast, much more than other countries. This means people are making more while working the same hours, which helps everyone earn better wages and live better lives.
  2. Most of this productivity growth is coming from the service sector, like tech and healthcare, rather than manufacturing. Many jobs have changed to become much more efficient, especially since the pandemic made businesses rethink how they work.
  3. However, this growth could slow down because of rising unemployment and less hiring. If businesses don't keep investing in better tools and technologies, the gains we've seen might start to vanish.

November 2024 Residential Construction

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 63 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💰 Finance Housing Real Estate Mortgage Rates Construction Employment
  1. Mortgage rates are really important for the housing market. They can greatly affect both people's ability to buy homes and the rate of construction jobs.
  2. Tracking construction employment can give insights into the housing market trends. It’s a clear indicator of how the market is responding to interest rates.
  3. There are ongoing challenges in the housing market, and the data can sometimes seem tricky. It's like a game where understanding the numbers is key to navigating the situation.

US: AWS to invest $11 billion in Georgia for data center expansion

philsiarri • 22 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
💼 Business Investment Technology Economy Employment Infrastructure
  1. AWS plans to spend $11 billion to expand data centers in Georgia. This will help support cloud computing and AI technologies.
  2. The investment is expected to create around 550 jobs. Georgia is popular for data centers because of its low electricity costs and tax incentives.
  3. Local people are concerned about the effects of new data centers on housing and electricity needs, leading to some restrictions on where they can be built.

Recommending Kent Beck: 2011

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1170 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
💼 Business Recommendation Employment Management Career development Software Development
  1. Kent Beck's role in enhancing engineering teams for growth and prosperity by working on product features and tool building.
  2. Kent Beck's impact through research and publication on software design, attracting new recruits and revolutionizing design ideas.
  3. Kent Beck's personal relationships and pair programming sessions significantly improving engineering skills and career prospects of individuals.