The Lonely Office

Remember when getting a promotion was a good thing? This week, Ellie was offered a better title and salary, she did the unthinkable—she turned it down. And she’s not the only one. 30% of today’s workers quit within a month of promotion.

From endless Zoom calls to "forced fun" events, we explore why more professionals are saying "No, thanks!" to moving up. Is the traditional career ladder broken, or are we finally asking for what we're worth?

Hosts:

Matt Sunbulli

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/

https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbulli

https://www.firstdraft.vc

Aaron Calafato

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Leah Ova

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Editorial:

Matt Sunbulli

Brooks Borden

Ken Wendt

Aaron Calafato

Audio:

Ken Wendt

Jan Cruz

Research:

Zaid Safe

Matt Sunbulli

This week, we start with the story of a Citigroup analyst, who unexpectedly found himself internet-famous, blending work and social media in ways he hadn’t foreseen.

Join us as we dive into the world of low-key influencers—employees hiding behind cubicles by day and thriving online by night. How does this new professional reality affect our workplaces? And what happens when your side hustle becomes the main event?

Hosts:

Matt Sunbulli

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/

https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbulli

https://www.firstdraft.vc

Aaron Calafato

Listen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories

Leah Ova

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Editorial:

Matt Sunbulli

Brooks Borden

Ken Wendt

Aaron Calafato

Audio:

Ken Wendt

Jan Cruz

Research:

Zaid Safe

Matt Sunbulli

We all remember our first adulting moment. For some, it was their first paycheck; for others, it was moving to the big city. For Amani, it was getting kicked off the family phone plan.

When does adulthood start? Do you have to stop chasing your dreams to pay the bills? This week, we discussed moving out, paying rent, and everything #Adulting.

Hosts:

Matt Sunbulli

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/

https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbulli

https://www.firstdraft.vc

Aaron Calafato

Listen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories

Leah Ova

Follow Leah on TikTok

Editorial:

Matt Sunbulli

Brooks Borden

Ken Wendt

Aaron Calafato

Audio:

Ken Wendt

Jan Cruz

Research:

Zaid Safe

Matt Sunbulli

On this episode of The Lonely Office, we dive into the latest economic insights with Glassdoor’s lead economist, Daniel Zhao, as he unpacks the complexities behind two major job market reports—the JOLTS report and the Employment Situation report. With factors like hurricane impacts and the Boeing strike shaping this month's data, we break down what these reports reveal about job openings, hiring rates, and why so many employees feel “stuck” in their roles. Join us for a candid look at the evolving job market and the pressing questions around work-life balance, job security, and career satisfaction.

Special Guest:

Daniel Zhao

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dbzhao/

Hosts:

Matt Sunbulli

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/

https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbulli

https://www.firstdraft.vc

Aaron Calafato

Listen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories

As the sparkling promise of a college education turned into the shadow of crushing student debt, many are signing up to be mechanics, technicians, and electricians—and desk workers are yearning to make the switch.

Are the tides finally turning on the trades? Or is it a case of romanticizing the other, and wanting what you can’t have? This week, we talk the pros and cons of blue collar jobs, living to work vs. working to live, and the quest for meaning within it all. 

Hosts:

Matt Sunbulli

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/

https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbulli

https://www.firstdraft.vc

Aaron Calafato

Listen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories

Leah Ova

Follow Leah on TikTok

Editorial:

Matt Sunbulli

Brooks Borden

Ken Wendt

Aaron Calafato

Audio:

Ken Wendt

Jan Cruz

Research:

Zaid Safe

Matt Sunbulli

In the sports world, contracts go far beyond the numbers. From deferred payments to ‘love of the game’ clauses, there’s a lot we can learn from athletes like Shohei Ohtani and Michael Jordan.

Can you negotiate like the pros? And how much leverage do you really have? We’ve got answers, advice, and tips to help you get paid.

Hosts:

Matt Sunbulli

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/

https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbulli

https://www.firstdraft.vc

Aaron Calafato

Listen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories

Leah Ova

Follow Leah on TikTok

Editorial:

Matt Sunbulli

Brooks Borden

Ken Wendt

Aaron Calafato

Audio:

Ken Wendt

Jan Cruz

Research:

Zaid Safe

Matt Sunbulli

In this episode of The Lonely Office, we dive into the world of startups and the hard truths behind venture capital. Peter Walker, Head of Insights at Carta, joins us to break down the numbers, offering key advice on when to take that leap into entrepreneurship—or when to hold back.

Special Guest:

Pete Walker

Hosts:

Matt Sunbulli

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/

https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbulli

https://www.firstdraft.vc

Aaron Calafato

Listen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories

In the age of algorithms, getting noticed by employers can feel like trying to go viral. When did applying for jobs morph into a social media contest?

Sometimes, the best way to outsmart the system is to circumvent it altogether. In this episode, we share stories and research on some age-old tactics that can help land you a job.

Hosts:

Matt Sunbulli

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/

https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbulli

https://www.firstdraft.vc

Aaron Calafato

Listen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories

Leah Ova

Follow Leah on TikTok

Editorial:

Matt Sunbulli

Brooks Borden

Ken Wendt

Aaron Calafato

Audio:

Ken Wendt

Jan Cruz

Research:

Zaid Safe

Matt Sunbulli

401ks were meant to be our generation’s retirement plan, but now they’re becoming many workers’ only means of survival. With Social Security drying up and a chaotic job market, our financial future hangs in the balance.

Are we really spending too much money on coffee? Or are we innocent victims of a broken system? Today, we’re talking retirement, 401ks, and all about the moolah.

Hosts:

Matt Sunbulli

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/

https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbulli

https://www.firstdraft.vc

Aaron Calafato

Listen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories

Leah Ova

Follow Leah on TikTok

Editorial:

Matt Sunbulli

Brooks Borden

Ken Wendt

Aaron Calafato

Audio:

Ken Wendt

Jan Cruz

Research:

Zaid Safe

Matt Sunbulli

Amazon’s company-wide return-to-office mandate sent shockwaves through the tech world. And 72% of employees said they were ‘reconsidering their future’ with the company. 

Is Amazon’s decision a mass layoff in disguise? Will more companies follow suit? Stanford economist Nick Bloom joins us to find the truth behind the headlines.

Special Guest:

Nick Bloom

Hosts:

Matt Sunbulli

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/

https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbulli

https://www.firstdraft.vc

Aaron Calafato

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