The hottest Employment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

If you’re laid off

Alex Ewerlöf Notes • 609 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
💼 Business Employment
  1. It's okay to feel a range of emotions after a job loss, but getting back up quickly helps you grow.
  2. Don't take job loss personally - it's often a systemic issue within companies.
  3. Job security is not guaranteed, so reskilling and adapting to market trends is crucial.

What Happens After ICE Raids Your Company?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 556 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Employment
  1. ICE recently raided a Nebraska meatpacking plant, arresting nearly 80 workers under suspicion of illegal immigration. The agents looked intimidating and searched high and low for employees.
  2. The company believed all the arrested workers were legal to work in the U.S. They were shocked to find out that many were detained despite having proper documentation.
  3. This incident reflects ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and raises questions about how companies verify their workers' legal status.

The Devil Lies in Details

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 479 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Employment
  1. Layoffs in companies often get blamed on AI advancements, like when Duolingo fired some workers recently.
  2. In Duolingo's case, the layoffs were mostly due to not renewing contracts for translation work, not just AI cutting jobs.
  3. It's important to look closely at the reasons behind job losses instead of jumping to conclusions about AI.

High hopes

Klement on Investing • 4 implied HN points • 26 Feb 26
💼 Business Employment
  1. Most companies now use AI—about two-thirds—but actual use is light (roughly 1.5 hours per week for many) and adoption is rising rapidly.
  2. Measured productivity gains so far are tiny (around 0.3% over the last three years), yet firms expect much larger gains soon (about 1.4% over the next three years), revealing a big gap between past results and future hopes.
  3. Employers and employees disagree on jobs: employees often expect AI to create jobs, while employers report little past impact but anticipate modest job cuts ahead, especially in the US and UK.

Erika's quick-start guide to research nonprofits

Erika’s Newsletter • 491 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
💼 Business Employment
  1. You can start a nonprofit research organization without needing permission from a university.
  2. Research nonprofits can be designed to fit scientific goals rather than fitting into academia or industry.
  3. To start a nonprofit, write a 'two-pager', get connected with potential funders, fundraise, manage money, hire people, get lab space, and manage intellectual property.
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The AI Job Apocalypse Is Always Nigh for the People Selling the Predictions

The Algorithmic Bridge • 339 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Employment
  1. AI experts warn that many entry-level jobs might disappear soon, leading to high unemployment rates. This could affect fields like tech, finance, and consulting.
  2. Companies creating AI technology need to be honest about the potential job losses it could cause. It's important for them to think about how to prevent or lessen the negative impact.
  3. Simply warning people about job losses isn't enough; companies should find ways to help those who could be affected by their technology.

Feeble Jobs Report

Points And Figures • 1039 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Employment
  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.

Some Links

In My Tribe • 212 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Employment
  1. AI is not significantly affecting unemployment rates, as those exposed to AI have similar job trends as others. Workers in India might face more job losses due to cost-saving AI options.
  2. Many kids ages 9 to 12 play games like Roblox but feel restricted by parents from exploring the outside world. This leads them to rely on their phones for socializing.
  3. A study suggests that a notable percentage of men, particularly from non-Western backgrounds, have been convicted of crimes, countering the idea that only a small share of immigrants commit crimes.

🎭✨ Ben Affleck’s wise words on AI

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🕹 Technology 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.

Job hunt update

Sex and the State • 33 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
💼 Business Employment
  1. Job hunting can trigger panic about being unemployable, especially when you worry about age, physical limits, or lack of experience.
  2. Even if you’re willing to take entry-level work, practical barriers like businesses not hiring can block your plans.
  3. It’s normal to feel embarrassed about downshifting, but talking yourself into accepting practical work helps remove shame and move forward.

Americans' Incomes Are Rising Too Fast for 2% Inflation

The Overshoot • 393 implied HN points • 25 Feb 23
💰 Finance Employment
  1. Americans' incomes have been rising rapidly, with a 10% increase in disposable income since last summer.
  2. This rise in income is leading to concerns about potential inflation, as increased spending may outpace production.
  3. The surge in employment income is a key factor in driving consumer spending and could impact inflation rates.

Jobs and Opps at HuffPost UK, Full Fact, Business Insider, NFU, and Many, Many More 🥂

Journo Resources - The Opportunities • 277 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
💼 Business Employment
  1. A variety of journalism job opportunities are available in different locations with competitive salaries, such as in unscripted TV development, social content creation, and editorial roles.
  2. New Year's Resolutions may not always be practical or realistic for everyone, and setting smaller goals or guidelines can be just as beneficial in journalism work.
  3. Various organizations are offering training programs, mentorship opportunities, and cash prizes for journalists, writers, and content creators to support their career growth and development.

The Value of Foreign Diplomas

Cremieux Recueil • 483 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Employment
  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.

Is Greece’s economy improving?

The Greek Analyst • 419 implied HN points • 17 May 23
💰 Finance Employment
  1. Greece's economy is growing faster than many other advanced economies in Europe, with the GDP showing significant improvement.
  2. Investment in Greece has increased, with a notable rise in Foreign Direct Investment, setting the stage for economic growth.
  3. Employment prospects in Greece are on the rise, with steady increases in total employment, showing a positive trend in the economy.

Childcare costs skyrocket in the Northeast and West

American Inequality • 334 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Employment
  1. Childcare costs have skyrocketed in the Northeast and West, causing financial strain on families.
  2. Women face significant inequalities due to high childcare costs, impacting maternal employment rates.
  3. To address the childcare crisis, policies like federal funding for childcare centers, offsetting losses in universal Pre-K programs, and employer rebates for daycare can help make childcare more affordable and support working parents.

Young People Can't Get Jobs. Now What?

State of the Future • 228 implied HN points • 15 May 25
💼 Business Employment
  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.

University Grads Flock to Food Delivery as China's Job Market Dries Up

Chinarrative • 216 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
💼 Business Employment
  1. University graduates in China are turning to food delivery jobs due to a tough job market and economic situation.
  2. More educated individuals, including college graduates, are entering the food delivery sector, causing an oversupply of labor and decreasing salaries.
  3. The phenomenon reflects broader employment issues in China, showing a need for improved support from educational institutions and a larger, more diverse job market.

Lost in Translation: Overcoming Language Barriers for Opportunity

American Inequality • 294 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Employment
  1. Millions of Americans face barriers in employment, healthcare, and education due to low-English proficiency.
  2. English-only exams and systems perpetuate inequality and hinder academic achievement for non-native English speakers.
  3. Language barriers affect voting rights, and updating language requirements can increase democratic participation.

10 Charts That Explain the AI Era

Perspectives • 7 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Employment
  1. AI adoption has happened extremely quickly, with consumers embracing tools like ChatGPT far faster than past technologies, and we’re still in the early stages of broader impact.
  2. Training and running large AI models is very expensive and investment and infrastructure are concentrated in a few firms, so the ecosystem is still in a heavy build/investment phase rather than a mature, profitable one.
  3. Benefits are uneven: many corporate pilots fail to reach production, executives tend to gain more productivity than frontline workers, women use AI less, and entry-level jobs are being disrupted, so careful redesign and policy are needed to avoid widening gaps.

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 Employment
  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.

Recommending Kent Beck: 2011

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1170 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
💼 Business Employment
  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.

Ageism Part III: Getting Hired

Ladyparts • 978 implied HN points • 15 Apr 22
🎭️ Culture Employment
  1. Older women face challenges in getting hired that often go unnoticed and unaddressed.
  2. Ageism is a topic that is vast and underreported, with potential for further exploration, such as in the intersection of AI and ageism.
  3. Consider subscribing to Ladyparts for more insightful content on ageism and related issues.

Dirty Work: The Return of Blue Collar

State of the Future • 144 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
💼 Business Employment
  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.

When Creatives Quit

The Intersection • 217 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
💼 Business Employment
  1. Quitting can be a complex decision, especially for creatives tied to visas or seeking new challenges.
  2. As managers, it's important to listen and not react immediately when creatives want to quit.
  3. Offering value beyond monetary incentives, nurturing like flowers, and accepting when it's time to let creatives go are key to managing a creative team.

Unbundling the Job

State of the Future • 91 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
💼 Business Employment
  1. Jobs used to provide more than just income; they offered stability and social security. Now, this connection is breaking down, and we need to rethink how people can find support.
  2. With AI changing how work is done, many entry-level jobs are becoming less structured. Tasks that used to teach skills are being automated, making it harder for new workers to learn and grow.
  3. As traditional job structures weaken, we need new systems to support people. This means finding ways to provide benefits like health care and security without needing a full-time job.

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 Employment
  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.

Beyond Gruntlement

The Radar • 59 implied HN points • 03 Apr 24
💼 Business Employment
  1. Rubbish ideas remain rubbish, no matter what justifications are given.
  2. Honesty and respect are crucial in how organizations treat their employees.
  3. Individual employees should not compromise their integrity for the sake of dishonest tactics at work.

Why has Latin American female employment risen in the absence of growth?

The Great Gender Divergence • 176 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Employment
  1. Latin American female employment has increased despite economic stagnation, challenging conventional wisdom.
  2. Latin America's unique situation suggests that women's desire to work may increase with rising opportunity costs.
  3. Social and economic factors like hyper-inflation and individualism may play a significant role in driving female employment in Latin America.

Future of Work =Less and More

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 72 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
💼 Business Employment
  1. Companies are focusing on revenue per employee rather than the number of employees. This means they want to be more efficient and effective with fewer staff.
  2. The workplace is changing, and many companies are reducing office space because employees can work from anywhere. Flexibility is becoming key.
  3. The future requires more investment in training and development. People will need to build their skills to thrive in a tech-driven world.

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
  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.

Movers, Shakers, & Money Makers #3

Human Capitalist • 59 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
💼 Business Employment
  1. Several key players have switched jobs, making a big impact in their respective industries. For example, Robby Stein moved to Google to work on enhancing the search experience.
  2. Experts with strong backgrounds in tech and finance are taking on new roles, suggesting interesting innovations might be on the horizon. Ryan Zauk, now at OMERS Ventures, has connections in the fintech scene that could lead to exciting developments.
  3. Companies are bringing in talent to boost their marketing and product strategies. For instance, Liz Abello is now with Liquid Death to help capitalize on their growth in the beverage market.

Job search next steps: AI spice level calibration

Sex and the State • 18 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Employment
  1. Learning and writing about AI can help with job-seeking while also satisfying personal curiosity and a desire to do good.
  2. The aim is to position oneself for thought leadership or AI policy work across for-profits, trade associations, and non-profits/think tanks.
  3. After reflection and advice, the decision is to stop over-censoring and speak more candidly about AI, even if that might alienate some potential employers.