The Hollywood strikes are over 🙌

Hey there! It’s “Let’s circle back after the holidays” season, and annual reviews are around the corner. Now is the ideal time to ask for a raise. But…what if you don’t know your market rate? We’ve got you covered. 😎 

We’re hosting a free webinar this Thursday, November 16 at 12 PM ET to 1) provide market research advice and 2) maximize your earning potential. Can’t wait to see you there! 

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 1   The SAG-AFTRA actors’ strike is over 👏

The red carpet is coming out of storage. SAG-AFTRA reached an agreement on a three-year contract with AMPTP on November 8, concluding the grueling 118-day strike between actors and major film and television studios. 

“I cannot support this contract more wholeheartedly,” said SAG-AFTRA’s Executive Vice President, Linda Powell. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in the contract, which received 86% approval in the vote: 

• Protection Against AI ➜ A studio must get an actor’s consent, whether they’re A-listers or extras, before creating or using their digital replicas (AKA a computer-generated avatar). If the studio does use an actor’s digital replica, they must pay the actor the same rate as if they were performing in person. SAG-AFTRA fought until “final hours of the negotiations” to ensure AI guardrails were included—if they weren’t, it would’ve been a deal breaker.

• Higher Compensation ➜ A 7% general wage increase starting immediately, with another 4% boost in July and a 3.5% increase the following year. Plus, actors with high-performing streaming shows will see their streaming residual doubled. 

• Proper Hair and Makeup ➜ Sets must have hair and makeup artists who can handle diverse hair textures and skin tones. If they don’t, actors will be reimbursed for having to go elsewhere. It's a major victory, addressing the common issue of Black actors suffering hair mishandling (and even injuries) from unqualified artists. 

Other notable gains: Intimacy coordinators must be on set for scenes involving nudity, actors will get paid for both singing and dancing (instead of studios getting a “two-for-one” deal), and studios will cover relocation costs if actors move for TV roles. 

“So, is everything back to normal?” Not quite. Both the actors’ and writers’ strikes cost California’s economy a whopping $6 billion, and recovery won’t come overnight. But on the other hand, SAG-AFTRA’s gains could embolden other creatives—such as video game voice and stunt actors, as well as set workers—to stand up for their own rights.  👀

 2   Witches are making a killing online 🔮

There’s never been a better time to be a witch (granted, the Salem Witch Trials put the bar pretty low). Modern witchcraft is part of the psychic services industry, which is valued at a spellbinding $2.3 billion—offering lucrative opportunities for self-proclaimed witches online. 

Wait, what? These “supernatural entrepreneurs” are selling their services and products on platforms such as TikTok and Etsy, per The New York Times. The services and products in question? A $905 “Immortality Ritual,” $24.99 “Cord Cutting Ritual”, and $52 “Winning Legal Matters” spell, among others.  

Goes to show: Your random niche may just be the secret to a profitable online business. People are making a living creating content on everything from reptiles, to salary transparency (hi! 👋), to fashion. 

 3   People aren’t as eager to climb the corporate ladder ✋

Just call us Andrea. Because like in The Devil Wears Prada, we’re asking our bosses, “But what if I don’t want to live the way you live?” A survey by analytics firm Visier revealed that employees have mixed feelings about climbing the corporate ladder. They…

• Aren’t eager to get promoted. Only 38% of surveyed employees are interested in becoming a manager in their current company. 

• Fear promotions will bring more harm than good. When asked what deterred people from becoming managers, 40% cited “increased stress,” while 39% worried about longer working hours. 

• Want free time instead of fancy titles. 67% said their top ambition was spending time with family and friends, followed by 64% prioritizing mental and physical health and 58% for travel. 

The real kicker? Despite the “Gen Z is lazy” stereotype, 55% of Gen Z surveyed are interested in managerial roles. Yet, they’re twice as likely as other generations to cite a lack of confidence as the main deterrent from going for the position. If that’s you, here are some great resources on becoming a great manager and building self-confidence. 🤝

ICYMI: Ontario is on the cusp of joining #teamtransparency. 🇨🇦 The city just introduced legislation that, if passed, would require companies to disclose salaries in job listings and share if AI is being used during the hiring process. 

With our Canadian neighbors in mind, we’re throwing it back to our interviews in Toronto! Here’s what you should know before watching… 

• The hourly minimum wage is $16.55.

• The average salary is $39,000 a year. 

• The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment is $2,607 a month. 

If you’re thinking, “The pay seems low for a major city like Toronto,” you’re not alone—90% of the comments thought the same thing. These interviews will shed some light on the average Torontonian lifestyle and which jobs pay on the higher side of things.

• In-N-Out, Chipotle, Taco Bell and other fast-food chains are paying managers up to $180K. 🤯

• Five ways to ensure your annual review is a productive (and pain-free) experience. 

• Who said hot strike summer is over? Walgreens and CVS pharmacists are unionizing. 

• Our very own Hannah shares three important lessons about being a content creator. 

• This woman earns $10K a month as an antiques expert on the advice website JustAnswer. 

Thanks for reading! Last week, we asked: Is the 9-5 outdated, or fine just the way it is? 70% of you said, “It needs to go.” Here are just some of the responses we received: 

If you voted and/or submitted a response: We see you, and we appreciate you. 💚

See you next week!