What's worse? Divorce or Return-to-Office?

Welcome back, Rocketeer! šŸ‘‹Ā šŸš€ Youā€™re not going to want to miss this edition and the surprising facts we found on how people feel about the return to officeā€¦ Before we dive in, fill out this survey to help us help you in curating content that YOU want to see!

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In this edition:

  • The Return to Office Scaries

  • Job Market Insights

  • New Minimum Wage News in California

  • NEW BOOK ALERT - A must read

  • Tailored Job Resources

  • Donā€™t forget we have FREE merch at the bottom of this email!

Heard of Sunday Scariesā€¦ What About Office Scaries? šŸ˜“

43% of Individuals are More Afraid of Return-to-Office than Getting Divorced


LiveCareer recently conducted a survey of nearly 4,000 U.S. workers to uncover their underlying concerns about returning to the office. Surprisingly, the findings revealed that almost half (43%) are more anxious about returning to the office (RTO) than they are about experiencing divorce. What's more, 53% expressed a greater fear of in-office work than they do about climate change.

LiveCareerā€™s Fear & Remote Work survey highlights further insights:

  • 41% of respondents dread working in an office full-time more than they fear getting into a car accident.

  • Similarly, 41% fear the office environment more than natural disasters.

  • For 34%, the thought of being in the office is scarier than having $10,000 stolen.

Interestingly, the survey underscores a growing trend: 7 out of 10 workers desire to work remotely 100% of the time. Their reasoning? Remote work is linked to better mental health, increased job satisfaction, and enhanced productivity.

Key findings include:

  • 82% find remote work more conducive to their mental well-being compared to on-site work.

  • 79% perceive remote work as less stressful than working in-office.

  • 62% report the highest job satisfaction levels when working remotely full-time.

  • Moreover, 60% feel most productive when working remotely all the time.

For a deeper dive into the study and to understand why workers harbor such profound anxieties about returning to the office, you can access the full report here.

Catch the Latest in Job Market Trends with 'Job Minute MarketĀ šŸ“Š

McKinsey paying staff to leave with a "Pay-to-Quit" strategy

McKinsey announced they will lay off some U.K. staff, offering associates and middle managers 9 months of paid leave and career counseling. Pay-to-quit strategies are not new, with companies like Zappos at the forefront, as they have been used to identify and retain highly motivated staff.

Most modern jobs are new ā€“ and didn't exist within the mid-1940s

A study by The Quarterly Journal of Economics tracked U.S. jobs from the mid-1900s to the present and found that 60% of current jobs did not exist in 1940. Most jobs did not need the expertise that today's job market requires. In the first 40 years after the 1940s, new jobs mainly increased due to manufacturing; however, today, most new job creation involves high-paid professional or lowly-paid service jobs.

Unemployment rates are higher this February compared to the year before

Unemployment rates in 247 of 389 metropolitan areas have grown this February compared to 2023. However, unemployment rates have lowered in 108 regions, and 54 areas had jobless rates lower than the national unemployment rate ā€“ under 3%.

Private employers add job growth ā€“ however ā€“ startups are not well-supported in 2024

According to the ADP National Employment Report, private employers added 184,000 jobs in the last month, and median wages grew by 5% if they remained in the same roles and by 10% for those who changed jobs. While startups are the main drivers of new job growth, venture capital investments have declined this year, falling by a third.


šŸ“°Ā Breaking News: California Raises Fast Food Worker Minimum Wage

This remarkable change stems from a years-long advocacy effort by workers within California's fast-food industry, aiming to secure better wages and improved working conditions. What's particularly groundbreaking is the establishment of a fast-food council, a pioneering initiative in the United States. Comprising representatives from both the restaurant industry and workers, this council holds the power to annually adjust wages throughout the decade, keeping pace with inflation or up to 3.5%ā€”whichever is higher. Moreover, it can recommend safety standards for fast-food workers and collaborate with state agencies to investigate issues such as wage theft.

While this move is undoubtedly a win for workers' rights, it's not without its challenges. Some fast-food franchise owners have already responded by raising menu prices or reducing worker hours, prompting discussions about the delicate balance between fair compensation and sustainable business practices. However, for individuals like Jaylene Loubet, a McDonald's cashier, this increase represents a step towards achieving fair remuneration and improved job security. Loubet's story sheds light on the struggles faced by many workers who find it increasingly difficult to make ends meet in the face of rising living costs.

In light of these changes, it's evident that the landscape of employment in the US is evolving. As we witness the implementation of progressive policies aimed at protecting workers' rights and ensuring fair compensation, it's crucial to stay informed and engaged with ongoing developments in the realm of employment law.

šŸ“š New Release Alert: Empowering Your Employment

Are workplace concerns keeping you up at night?

You're not alone! That's why we're thrilled to introduce J Thomas Spiggle's latest release, "Fired? Afraid You Might Be?ā€ This book has been making waves, earning a stellar 5-star rating and claiming the #1 New Release spot in Law Ethics & Professional Responsibility.

In "Fired? Afraid You Might Be?," Spiggle takes the complexity out of employment law. Through relatable stories and practical advice, readers learn how to assert their rights and turn career setbacks into opportunities. It's like having a trusted advisor by your side, offering guidance with a friendly touch.

Whether you're feeling powerless at work or simply want to be prepared for any situation, "Fired? Afraid You Might Be?" is a must-read. Don't miss outā€”grab your copy today and take charge of your professional journey!

Here is a list of our very own career resources, just for you.

  1. Resume and Inverview Services: Should you find yourself unemployed and overwhelmed, worry not. You are not isolated in this struggle. Our mission is to support you in regaining your footing. We have carefully selected and collaborated with several experts for you to select from, who will assist in fortifying your job search and, if you are an existing client, enhancing your case.

  2. E-Books: Interested in learning more about employment law topics? Below are a couple free E-Books written by Tom Spiggle. Interested? Click here to learn more.

  3. The Spiggle Law Firm Podcast: Listen to our podcasts to learn about the world of employment law. You can never be too prepared!

Ignite Your Network and Get Exclusive Career Rocket Swag!

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With every referral, you're not just sharing a quality resource for career growth, you're also collecting points towards fantastic rewards:

ā­Refer 3 friends for a FREE The Career Rocket sticker
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Thank you for joining us for another edition of the Career Rocket newsletter. We hope you found today's content informative and engaging. Stay tuned for more updates on employment laws, career insights, and industry news in our future editions.

Until next time, keep aiming for the stars in your career journey!

Fly high,

The Career Rocket by The Spiggle Law Firm

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