The Week in Jobs

Oracle just laid off up to 30,000 workers and delivered the news via a 6am email with no manager warning and immediate system access cutoff. In today's episode, Pete Newsome breaks down the details: what Oracle says the money will fund and what the handling of these cuts reveals about corporate culture at the highest levels.

He also covers ADP's March employment report, which shows private sector job growth of 62,000, but the breakdown tells a more complicated story. Medium and large employers were net negative on hiring. Small businesses carried the entire market. Healthcare added 58,000 while trade and transportation lost the same number in a single month. 

New Brookings Institution research reveals that 86% of the workers most exposed to AI displacement with the least ability to adapt are women, despite women now outnumbering men in overall US employment. Only 14% of women have received extensive AI training from their employer. Pete shares what that gap means and what individuals can do about it without waiting for their employer to act.

And the job-switching pay premium, which peaked at 54% in 2022, has dropped sharply; Pete explains what that means for anyone considering a move right now.

New episodes every week. Subscribe wherever you listen.

Articles:
1. ADP National Employment Report: https://adpemploymentreport.com/
2. Revelio Labs Analysis: https://www.reveliolabs.com/news/macro/why-switching-jobs-is-no-longer-paying-off/
3. ZipRecruiter Research/Brookings Data: https://www.ziprecruiter-research.org/commentary/record-high-womens-employment-meets-the-ai-stress-test
4. Oracle Layoffs: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/31/oracle-layoffs-ai-spending.html 

🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Be sure to subscribe and check out 4 Corner Resources at https://www.4cornerresources.com/

👋 FOLLOW PETE NEWSOME ONLINE:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petenewsome/
Blog Articles: https://www.4cornerresources.com/blog/  

The February JOLTS report just dropped, and the headline number demands attention. Hires fell to 4.8 million, down nearly 500,000 in a single month, pushing the hires rate to 3.1%, the lowest reading since April 2020. 

In today's episode, host Pete Newsome breaks down what's driving the disconnect between 6.9 million job openings and only 4.8 million actual hires, which sectors took the hardest hits, and what the data means for job seekers who are already feeling the freeze.

He also covers the 2026 SANS Cybersecurity Workforce Report, which surfaces a pattern now repeating across virtually every industry: the problem isn't finding enough people, it's finding people with the right skills. AI is automating the entry-level roles that used to develop junior talent; companies are skipping straight to senior hires, and the resulting pipeline problem will compound for years.

ADP's employment report drops tomorrow. The BLS jobs report follows on Friday. Pete previews what to watch in both.

New episodes every week. Subscribe wherever you listen.

Articles:
1. BLS February JOLTS Report: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/jolts.nr0.htm
2. SANS/GIAC 2026 Cybersecurity Workforce Report: https://www.sans.org/mlp/2026-evolving-cybersecurity-workforce-ai-compliance-talent

📽️ WATCH TODAY'S EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/Qrj4VZ0-RfE

🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Check out 4 Corner Resources at https://www.4cornerresources.com/

👋 FOLLOW PETE NEWSOME ONLINE:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petenewsome/
Blog Articles: https://www.4cornerresources.com/blog/  

A major new study just mapped AI job risk across every metro area and every state in the country, and the findings are more alarming than most coverage suggests. The cities facing the largest projected losses are the innovation capitals everyone assumed were untouchable. New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas, and Boston each face at least $20 billion in annual income losses, with total vulnerable jobs projected at 9.3 million within the next two to five years.

Host Pete Newsome breaks down the industries most exposed, the geographic findings that defy conventional wisdom, and one data point buried in the research that challenges the widely held belief that AI simply moves displaced workers into higher value roles.

He also covers Monster's 2026 State of the Graduate report, which found 89% of this year's college graduates worry AI will eliminate entry-level jobs, a 25 percentage point jump from just one year ago. Pete shares what that spike signals for employers hiring new graduates and what they can do to demonstrate stability in an increasingly unstable market.

Plus a preview of the biggest jobs data week of the month: JOLTS, ADP, Challenger cuts, weekly claims, and the BLS report all drop this week. Pete breaks down exactly what to watch for in each one.

New episodes every week. Subscribe wherever you listen.

Articles:
1. Tufts Digital Planet: https://digitalplanet.tufts.edu/ai-and-the-emerging-geography-of-american-job-risk-page/
2. Monster 2026 State of the Graduate Report: https://www.monster.com/career-advice/research/2026-state-of-the-graduate-report

📽️ WATCH TODAY'S EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/7WMt2A0Ug5Y

🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Be sure to subscribe and check out 4 Corner Resources at https://www.4cornerresources.com/

👋 FOLLOW PETE NEWSOME ONLINE:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petenewsome/
Blog Articles: https://www.4cornerresources.com/blog/  

Goldman Sachs is projecting that rising oil prices could shave roughly 10,000 jobs a month from US payroll growth through the end of 2026, with unemployment expected to climb to 4.6% by Q3. Host Pete Newsome breaks down the sectors most at risk, why the energy industry won't offset those losses the way it historically has, and what this forecast means for a labor market already moving in the wrong direction.

He also covers a meaningful proposed rule change from the Department of Labor that would overhaul how wages are calculated for H-1B and permanent labor certification visa programs. The current system has allowed companies to hire foreign workers at rates dramatically below market for decades, hitting entry-level American workers and recent STEM graduates hardest. Pete explains what the proposed changes would actually do and why he's cautiously hopeful the DOL will follow through.

And to close on a genuinely positive note, a new Aerotek survey of more than 3,500 skilled trades professionals found that 83% would recommend their career path to the next generation, a striking contrast to the broader workforce confidence data Pete covered earlier this week. Four out of five skilled trades workers feel confident in their ability to succeed. Pete breaks down what else the survey revealed, including why more trades workers are voluntarily taking second jobs not just for income but to build new skills.

New episodes every week. Subscribe wherever you listen. 

Articles:
1. Goldman Sachs Analysis: https://www.businessinsider.com/job-market-outlook-oil-prices-economic-impact-goldman-sachs-2026-3
2. U.S DOL New Rule: https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20260326-0
3. Aerotek Q1 2026 Job Seeker Survey: https://www.aerotek.com/en/insights/2026-job-seeker-survey-q1

📽️ WATCH TODAY'S EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/9nEpB3fZvr4

🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Be sure to subscribe and check out 4 Corner Resources at https://www.4cornerresources.com/

👋 FOLLOW PETE NEWSOME ONLINE:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petenewsome/
Blog Articles: https://www.4cornerresources.com/blog/  

One of the job market's longest-standing assumptions just got flipped. A new Randstad analysis of more than 150 million job postings found that skilled trades roles now take longer to fill than software developer positions, and the demand gap is accelerating. Robotics technicians, HVAC engineers, and industrial automation specialists are among the fastest-growing roles in the entire labor market, driven largely by the physical infrastructure AI requires to function. Host Pete Newsome breaks down what that means for job seekers, career changers, and the broader conversation around trades versus college.

He also covers a new Indeed Flex survey showing nearly one in three retirees are working or open to returning, with 63% citing inflation as the primary driver and 74% saying their view of retirement has fundamentally changed in the past five years. Pete makes the case for why employers struggling with part-time and hourly hiring should be actively recruiting this overlooked talent pool.

On the confidence front, ZipRecruiter's Q1 2026 Job Seeker Confidence Index came in at its highest reading since 2022. Pete goes beneath the headline number to give a more complete picture of what job seekers are actually experiencing right now.

And fresh unemployment claims data dropped this morning from the Department of Labor. Pete shares what it signals about where the labor market stands heading into the new month.

Articles:
1. Randstad USA Data: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-demand-for-skilled-trades-grows-3x-faster-than-professional-roles-302725636.html
2. Job Seeker Confidence Index: https://www.ziprecruiter-research.org/job-seeker-confidence
3. Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OPA/newsreleases/ui-claims/20260572.pdf
4. Indeed Flex Survey: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/inflation-reshapes-retirement-as-63-of-seniors-cite-cost-of-living-as-driver-for-returning-to-work-302724236.html

📽️ WATCH TODAY'S EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/7fyqId9L4-A

🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Be sure to subscribe and check out 4 Corner Resources at https://www.4cornerresources.com/

👋 FOLLOW PETE NEWSOME ONLINE:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petenewsome/
Blog Articles: https://www.4cornerresources.com/blog/  

Today's headlines cover three stories that together paint a clear picture of exactly where the workforce stands right now.

Host Pete Newsome starts with a new ADP Research report, the largest of its kind, surveying more than 39,000 workers across 36 countries. Only 22% strongly believe their job is safe from elimination. Despite near-historic low unemployment worldwide, the workforce is operating from a place of genuine fear. Pete breaks down who feels it most, what the gender and seniority gaps look like, and what employers can do about it before disengagement costs them their best people.

Then there's Epic Games (the maker of Fortnite, still the number one game in America), announcing more than 1,000 job cuts. The CEO's note to employees was candid and direct. Pete covers what's really happening in the gaming industry, whether AI is playing a bigger role than anyone is admitting, and what it signals for software-driven businesses broadly.

And finally, something genuinely worth sharing. The US Department of Labor launched a free AI literacy course delivered entirely by text message - no laptop, no internet connection required. Ten minutes a day, seven days. Text READY to 20202 to sign up. Pete explains why this particular initiative matters and who it's designed to reach.

Articles:
1. ADP People at Work 2026: https://www.adpresearch.com/today-at-work/issue1-2026/
2. Make America AI-Ready: https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osec/osec20260324
3. Epic Games Layoffs: https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/epic-games-said-tuesday-that-it-will-lay-off-more-than-1000-employees-2026-03-24/

📽️ WATCH TODAY'S EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/DZfl13gdASE

🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Be sure to subscribe and check out 4 Corner Resources at https://www.4cornerresources.com/

👋 FOLLOW PETE NEWSOME ONLINE:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petenewsome/
Blog Articles: https://www.4cornerresources.com/blog/  

Gallup just released findings that should have every employer paying close attention. For the first time on record, more American workers say they're struggling than thriving, and the reasons go deeper than job dissatisfaction. Host Pete Newsome breaks down why 30% of workers feel stuck, why engagement has hit a ten-year low, and what employers need to do before the market shifts and their people run.

He also unpacks a striking finding from ADP Research: one sector (education and health services) generated 109% of all private sector job gains between 2023 and early 2025. That means the rest of the economy is contracting on a net basis. Pete explains why healthcare's dominance isn't a short-term trend and what it means for anyone mapping out their career path.

Then there's the AI story most outlets are missing. A National Bureau of Economic Research survey of nearly 750 CFOs found that 50% of companies expect AI to replace zero roles this year, and the total employment impact is projected at less than 0.4% in 2026. It's a far more measured picture than the headlines typically suggest, and worth understanding.

Finally, tech employment actually declined in 2025, but forward projections for 2026 tell a more optimistic story, with AI-skilled roles leading the way.

Articles:
1. Gallup Workforce Survey: https://www.gallup.com/workplace/703280/worker-thriving-declines-job-market-pessimism-grows.aspx
2. ADP Research: https://www.adpresearch.com/health-care-is-reshaping-the-labor-market/
3. NBER Working Paper: https://www.nber.org/papers/w34984
4. ADP National Employment Weekly Pulse Report: https://mediacenter.adp.com/2026-03-24-ADP-National-Employment-Report-Preliminary-Estimate-for-March-7,-2026
5. CompTIA's State of the Tech Workforce Report: https://www.comptia.org/en-us/resources/research/state-of-the-tech-workforce-2026/

📽️ WATCH TODAY'S EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/h-zmyIy92oA

🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Be sure to subscribe and check out 4 Corner Resources at https://www.4cornerresources.com/

👋 FOLLOW PETE NEWSOME ONLINE:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petenewsome/
Blog Articles: https://www.4cornerresources.com/blog/  

Today's headlines all tell the same story from different angles: AI is reshaping the workforce faster than most people are prepared for, and the workers feeling it first are the ones just getting started.

Host Pete Newsome breaks down new data showing a measurable employment decline for workers aged 22 to 25 in AI-exposed roles, why vocational enrollment is surging, and what it means that nearly half of Americans under 34 are reconsidering their career path entirely because of AI.

He also covers two major crypto layoffs this week (Gemini and Crypto.com), both of which cited AI directly, alongside broader cuts at Block, Meta, and Atlassian. The language from CEOs on this topic is getting less diplomatic by the week.

On the leadership side, CEO exits hit near-record levels in January with 209 departures in a single month. Pete explains why that kind of turnover at the top rarely stays at the top.

And for balance, OpenAI is nearly doubling its headcount by year end, and workers with AI skills are commanding 56% higher wages on average. The opportunity is there for people willing to move toward it rather than away from it.

Articles:
1. WSJ Report: https://www.wsj.com/economy/jobs/ai-jobs-young-people-careers-14282284?
2. Major Crypto Company Cuts: https://layoffs.fyi/
3. Challenger, Gray & Christmas Report: https://www.challengergray.com/blog/january-ceo-exits-third-highest-on-record/
4. OpenAI Doubling Workforce: https://www.computerworld.com/article/4148621/openai-to-double-workforce-highlights-growing-demand-for-enterprise-ai-talent.html

📽️ WATCH TODAY'S EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/Zs2tdlzGfys

🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Be sure to subscribe and check out 4 Corner Resources at https://www.4cornerresources.com/

👋 FOLLOW PETE NEWSOME ONLINE:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petenewsome/
Blog Articles: https://www.4cornerresources.com/blog/  

New data reveals where AI is actually taking over inside corporate America, and it's happening faster than most workers realize. In this episode, host Pete Newsome breaks down a major new Gallup survey showing why accountability is the one leadership skill driving a 3x difference in employee engagement, plus findings from the CHRO Association that show 91% of top HR leaders say AI and workplace digitization are their number one concern right now.

Pete also unpacks what it means for job seekers that AI is now screening resumes and scoring interview responses before a human ever sees your application, and why that might actually work in your favor.

Plus: Goldman Sachs just announced a round of layoffs outside their normal performance review cycle, following a similar move at Morgan Stanley. What's behind it, and what does it signal for workers everywhere?

If you're employed, job searching, or managing a team, this one's worth your time.

Timestamps:
00:29: The #1 Leadership Skill Tanking Employee Engagement
03:17: What 91% of Top CHROs Are Losing Sleep Over
09:03: Goldman Sachs Surprise Cuts
10:52: Fun Fact of the Day

Articles:
1. Gallup Workforce Survey: https://www.gallup.com/workplace/703379/accountability-leadership-greatest-weakness.aspx
2. CHRO Association Survey: https://www.chro.org/w/2026-chro-survey-key-findings-1
3. Reuters on Goldman Cuts: https://www.reuters.com/business/world-at-work/goldman-sachs-make-small-job-cuts-performance-april-source-says-2026-03-19/

📽️ WATCH TODAY'S EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/P7p7TyDq0-c

🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Be sure to subscribe and check out 4 Corner Resources at https://www.4cornerresources.com/

👋 FOLLOW PETE NEWSOME ONLINE:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petenewsome/
Blog Articles: https://www.4cornerresources.com/blog/  

AI is already changing how careers begin, and the data is starting to prove it. In today’s episode of Cornering the Job Market, host Pete Newsome breaks down new research from a panel of economists at Stanford University showing that hiring for entry-level professional roles is declining in areas with heavy AI exposure.

Software developer hiring for workers ages 22–26 is already down 20%, and call center hiring has dropped 15%. According to economist Erik Brynjolfsson, many industries are shifting from a traditional career “pyramid” with many junior roles to a “diamond” shape where the entry points are shrinking.

The episode also explores a surprising side effect of AI adoption: return-to-office mandates. New survey data shows that the same AI collaboration tools companies are investing in are making remote work more productive, yet many employers are still pushing workers back to the office, risking talent losses as a result.

Pete also covers the latest wage growth numbers from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, which show pay growth slowing overall while younger workers still see the fastest increases. Finally, new projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveal which bachelor’s degree careers will have the most job openings over the next decade.

The message from economists is clear: AI isn’t collapsing the job market, but it is changing how people enter it.

Question for you: Do you think AI will make it harder for young workers to start their careers, or will it simply change the skills needed to get hired?

Articles:
1. Stanford SIEPR Summit: https://siepr.stanford.edu/news/ais-job-whats-worker-do
2. New RTO Research: https://www.benefitnews.com/news/ai-investments-are-impacting-rto-mandates
3. Atlanta Fed Wage Growth Tracker: https://www.atlantafed.org/research-and-data/data/wage-growth-tracker
4. Weekly Unemployment Claims: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OPA/newsreleases/ui-claims/20260435.pdf
5. BLS Bachelor's Degree Projections: https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2026/projected-job-openings-in-occupations-typically-requiring-a-bachelors-degree-2024-34.htm

📽️ WATCH TODAY'S EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/KMpKfYBeVwg

🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Be sure to subscribe and check out 4 Corner Resources at https://www.4cornerresources.com/

👋 FOLLOW PETE NEWSOME ONLINE:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petenewsome/
Blog Articles: https://www.4cornerresources.com/blog/