Next job destination: The experience economy đŸ‘©â€đŸł

Plus: This CEO makes $11 million a year...

November 28, 2023

Hey there! Hannah here. This morning I found out I achieved one of my biggest life goals
I made it on the Forbes 30 Under 30. đŸ€— This win means everything: Not only is STS next to some huge names who are also doing incredible things, but it proves that salary transparency isn’t just a trend
it’s a real, growing movement that is here to stay.

Going to have the best day. Thank you so much Forbes! ❀

 1   Celebrating Shift Worker Sunday 👏

Did you know? November 26 was the second-ever Shift Worker Sunday! Launched in 2022 by management platform Deputy, this holiday celebrates the world's 2.7 billion shift workers: Those who miss special occasions, clock in outside 9–5 hours, and deal with staff shortages—all to keep our communities running and thriving. 

But despite their critical societal contribution, half of shift workers feel undervalued: 1 in every 2 would love more recognition and appreciation at their jobs, per Deputy data. 

So, the STS team partnered with Deputy to shower these workers with some much-needed gratitude and surprised three shift workers with $1,000. 

Curious how else you can support shift workers? We’ve got you covered: 

  • Join the #ASimpleThanks Movement. Write a thank you note here, or give a shout-out on social media using the hashtag #ASimpleThanks to show appreciation to the shift workers who have brightened your day. 

  • Acts of Kindness. A simple “thank you” goes a long way, as does a five-star review, a smile, patience, or eye contact. Remember, your attention is powerful: It makes others feel seen. 

  • Tell Your Friends. Do your friends and family know it was just Shift Worker Sunday? If not, spread the word! 

If you’re a shift worker, we just want to say: Thank you. We see you, and we appreciate you for everything you do (especially during the holiday season). Thank you for contributing so meaningfully to our day-to-day lives! 💚

 2   The experience economy could hold your next career move đŸ•șđŸ»

Tired: Buying things. Wired: Doing things. Millennials and Gen Z are spending more and more on experiences, fueling the “experience economy” reports Business Insider.  

  • By the Numbers: International travel is booming. “Barbenheimer” opening weekend was the fourth-biggest weekend of all time at the domestic box office. Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour grossed $2.2 billion in North America. In short: Where there are memories to be made, people are showing up (and shelling out 💰). 

What this means for jobs: The experience economy is ripe with job opportunities—and seems to be a promising area to build out your career. Here are a few roles that will see faster than average employment growth over the next ten years (above 4%): 

➜ Restaurant Cooks (Average Salary: $50,160). As we all dine out more, chef employment is expected to grow 15% from 2021 to 2031. And no, you don’t need to go to culinary school to become a chef! 

➜ Recreation Workers (Average Salary: $31,680). People who facilitate sports games, amusement parks, summer camps, nursing homes, etc, will see an employment boost of 5% over the next 10 years. 

➜ Producers and Directors (Average Salary: $85,3200). The creative magic behind our favorite films, TV shows, plays, and other productions will grow 7% from 2022 to 2032. 

The best part about the experience economy: Most jobs that fall in this sector are people-centric. AI may be automating roles across industries, but ChatGPT can't exactly perform at the Eras Tour, be a camp counselor, or whip up a tiramisu (or at least, not yet
). 

 3   Macy’s workers go on strike
on Black Friday, no less đŸȘ§

Annie Barker / The Herald

“They’ve worked us to death.” Over 400 Macy’s workers in Washington state went on strike to protest unfair labor practices, such as understaffing and overworking, this past Black Friday.

This comes after a number of unfair labor charges, including the suspension of an employee for contacting the police during a store safety incident. In response, the union sent a straightforward message: They need livable wages and increased store safety to continue working.

  • FYI: Macy’s minimum wage for staff starts at $15 an hour. Meanwhile, Macy’s CEO, Jeff Gennette gets an $11 million annual pay package, and the company is projected to net $1 billion this year in profits. 

Although the protest lasted three days, the fight isn’t over yet. “When we see that they’ve made all these billions
they have the Macy’s Day Parade, they have the fireworks. We’re angry,” said one employee.

To support Macy’s employees, sign the pledge (or show up to future protests if you’re in the WA area!). You can also vote with your dollars by not shopping at Macy’s and donating to the Striking Workers’ Hardship Fund.


These jobs are in demand, secure, high-paying, and
not on your radar? 

Introducing: Trade jobs. While college is a well-known (if not the go-to) step before starting your career, trade jobs offer an alternative career path that can be just as viable. Don’t believe us? Here are just a few trade job salaries
. 

  • ✒ Tattoo Artist: $250,000 a year 

  • đŸ„œ Journeyman Glazier & Glass Work: $100 per hour                          

  • âšĄïž Union Electricians: $54 per hour (P.S. Electricians get paid to go to school). 

Learn more about these careers—and how you can start your own—down below!

Thanks for reading! While you might’ve dodged questions about your job from nosy relatives over Thanksgiving, there’s one question you can’t ignore: Are you being underpaid? 

Well, we created a quiz to help you figure out just that. We share resources at the end to help (whether you’re underpaid or fairly paid!) and put you on the right career path—no interrogation from family members required. 😉

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