With more CEOs going on record about their return to office mandates, it has us wondering: was the golden promise of working from home too good to be true? On this episode, we discuss the hidden market players who want you back in office and how companies like JM Smuckers are rolling out their hybrid work policy. (Re-air)Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/https://www.aaroncalafato.com/Leah Ovahttps://www.tiktok.com/@leahova

Workers are taking less and less PTO, yet working more and more when they do. This week, Malcolm’s ‘staycation’ turns into an anxiety-filled week of self-reflection that leads to him reconsidering his career.Why aren’t we using our full PTO allowance? Are we at fault, or is it the company? And is our mental health deteriorating as a result? Comedian Chanel Ali joins us to talk about vacation.Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/https://www.aaroncalafato.com/Leah Ovahttps://www.tiktok.com/@leahovaSpecial Guest:Chanel Alihttps://www.chanelali.com/Editorial:Matt SunbulliBrooks BordenKen WendtAaron CalafatoAudio: Ken WendtJan CruzResearch: Zaid SafeMatt Sunbulli

Could it be that choosing degrees in the humanities is actually a smart, tactical move for the future? As tech job markets tighten, we explore how skills rooted in creativity and human insight are becoming more valuable—and share key strategies for standing out in this evolving landscape.Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/https://www.aaroncalafato.com/

Job hopping can be great for your wallet, but is it detrimental to your career? This week, Ferris’ job hopping led to pay bumps and new positions until layoffs stopped him in his tracks.Is it the key to making more money? Or does job loyalty pay off in the long run? Comedian Azhar Usman joins us to talk about the new social contract between workers and companies.Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/https://www.aaroncalafato.com/Leah Ovahttps://www.tiktok.com/@leahovaSpecial Guest:Azhar Usmanhttps://azhar.com/Editorial:Matt SunbulliBrooks BordenKen WendtAaron CalafatoAudio: Ken WendtJan CruzResearch: Zaid SafeMatt Sunbulli

In this reaction pod of TLO, we dive back into the controversial world of workplace surveillance with special guest Cody Rogers, Chief Product Officer at Hubstaff. Are these tools about transparency and efficiency, or are they enabling a culture of micromanagement? Join us as we explore the fine line between monitoring and trust.Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/https://www.aaroncalafato.com/Leah Ovahttps://www.tiktok.com/@leahovaGuest:Cody Rogers, Chief Product Officer at Hubstaff

On today's TLO Reaction Pod, Matt & Aaron dive into the stark realities of job hunting in an unpredictable economy—where even the most prepared knowledge workers might be forced to dip into their 401(k)s just to stay afloat. With layoffs climbing and job openings dwindling, the remote worker could be facing the same fate as the Rust Belt worker of the past. Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/https://www.aaroncalafato.com/

Starting your own business is something many dream about, but few actually do. This week, ‘Emma’ is torn between taking a job promotion or pursuing her passion.Is there ever a right time to make the leap? Do you really have to say ‘goodbye’ to your social life? We take you through the hard truths of forming that first LLC.Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/https://www.aaroncalafato.com/Leah Ovahttps://www.tiktok.com/@leahovaEditorial:Matt SunbulliBrooks BordenKen WendtAaron CalafatoOpening Story Performed by:Aaron CalafatoAdapted by:Matt Sunbulli & Aaron CalafatoAudio: Ken WendtJan CruzResearch: Zaid SafeMatt Sunbulli

The latest government job report issued a massive revision on the number of jobs that were actually in the market, throwing a wrench into the narrative of the "booming market" earlier this year.. We break down how these inflated job numbers, especially in the professional services sector— tech, finance, consulting—misled workers and painted a false picture of opportunity. Joining us this week is Bob Coursey, an employment lawyer, who sheds light on the rise of fake job postings and what it could mean for legal and government crackdowns on this growing issue.Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/https://www.aaroncalafato.com/Guest:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobcoursey/Audio Production: Ken WendtJan Cruz

AI is eating our skills and taking away our remote jobs. From the operating room to the cubicle, it appears that our trusty sidekicks may be planning a takeover. How is this different from the software revolution? And which jobs are most at risk? Matt Beane, author of The Skill Code, joins us this week to take on the machines.Special Guest:Matt BeaneLearn more about Matt's book: The Skill Code: How to Save Human Ability in an Age of Intelligent Machineshttps://www.mattbeane.com/https://www.ted.com/talks/matt_beane_how_do_we_learn_to_work_with_intelligent_machinesHosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/https://www.aaroncalafato.com/Leah Ovahttps://www.tiktok.com/@leahovaEditorial:Matt SunbulliBrooks BordenKen WendtAaron CalafatoOpening Story Performed by:Aaron CalafatoAdapted by:Matt Sunbulli & Aaron CalafatoAudio: Ken WendtJan CruzResearch: Zaid SafeMatt Sunbulli

Career or kids? That’s the question facing many young adults like Kennedy who are in the middle of job transitions. Can you be a great parent and have a successful career? And what's behind the rise of 'childless cat owners'? We get real with comedian and parent Azhar Usman.Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/https://www.aaroncalafato.com/Leah Ovahttps://www.tiktok.com/@leahovaSpecial Guest: Azhar Usmanhttps://azhar.com/Editorial:Matt SunbulliBrooks BordenKen WendtAaron CalafatoOpening Story Performed by:Aaron CalafatoAdapted by:Matt Sunbulli & Aaron CalafatoAudio: Ken WendtJan CruzResearch: Zaid SafeMatt Sunbulli