These NYC workers are *finally* get a raise

Hey hey! We have to address a recent article from Microsoft that showed what people who WFH would resemble in the future “due to lack of ergonomic setups and prolonged sitting.”

Um…we’re doubtful that being able to go on long walks, spending more time with family and friends, and skipping the daily commute leads to whatever is happening here. 😅

 1   NYC food delivery drivers are getting a well-deserved raise 🥪

Despite being there for us rain or shine (or when wildfire smoke is making it look downright apocalyptic outside…IYKYK), delivery drivers make an average of $7.09 an hour—way below NYC’s $15 minimum wage.

Fortunately, that’s about to change. NYC Mayor Eric Adams announced that starting July 12, the minimum wage for app-based delivery workers will be $17.96 an hour.

This is a major. Although some labor rights advocates say it’s not enough to cover the costs of NYC (where one latte could easily put you back you $7), NYC is still the first city in the U.S. to guarantee app delivery workers a minimum wage.

 2   USPS workers gearing up to strike 📦

Last week, the union representing more than 340,000 USPS workers authorized a strike if the U.S. Postal Service doesn’t secure a new contract by July 31.

What the union is asking for: More full-time jobs, the removal of surveillance cameras in trucks, and an end to the two-tiered wage system (where newer workers earn less than seasoned workers despite doing the same job).

With millions of Americans relying on USPS (they process around 24 million packages a day), the strike could “devastate the economy.” But don’t panic: a USPS spokesperson said they expect to reach an agreement before the deadline, per CBS News.

 3   The demand for electricians is surging ⚡️

The environment 🤝 electricians. As clean energy ramps up, there’s an increased demand for electricians who can install solar panels, electric vehicle charges, electric stoves, and more. Around 80,000 new electrician jobs are being added every year over the next decade, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The problem? There are only 700,000 electricians in the U.S., and more are retiring than entering the workforce.

One potential reason why: Despite the typical electrician earning $37.50 an hour, young people just aren’t drawn to skilled trades. According to a survey by Stanley Black & Decker, it’s due to both outdated cultural perceptions and misconceptions about pay.

How Much Should You Be Making?

Have you checked out our Market Research Guide? AKA your go-to resource to ensure you get paid what you’re worth!

This guide covers how to effectively conduct market research, so you can 1) get a data-backed number you can confidently negotiate for and 2) spot low-ball offers and comfortably walk away.

And if your market research shows you’re being underpaid?

We’ve got you covered. Our guide has built-in scripts to help you approach that compensation conversation so you can earn what you deserve. 👏

You can access the guide (totally free!) right here.

Last month, we touched down in Indianapolis to interview the Hoosiers (did you know people from Indiana have been calling themselves Hoosiers since the 1830s?) about what they do and how much they’re earning.

The Hoosiers also had some great career advice: 👇

🌭 Hot Dog Stand Owner ($50K–$100K): “Go hard. You’re not going to see [any] money unless you go hard.”

🧑‍💻 Data Analyst ($70K): “Learn SQL, and never turn your nose at new technology because you think it won’t be important.”

💼 Business Owner ($75K): “Red flags are red flags. They’re not pink flags or anything else…if you have a bad feeling about it…you have options.”

Which interview surprised you the most? Watch the video and hit reply with your answer!

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• After three blissful years, student loans resume this October. 😣 Here’s how to repay your debt (without depriving yourself of what you love).

• A career you probably didn’t know existed: Professional Glassblower. ✨

• Salary transparency for freelancers? Yes, please. Vetted unveils client rates so freelancers can get fairly compensated.

• Why you should never say “I’m looking to make [X] amount” in a job interview.

Thanks for reading! Before we part ways, a helpful stat from the Pew Research Center: About half of the workers who changed jobs during the pandemic saw their pay increase nearly 10%. The median worker who stayed put saw an inflation-adjusted loss of almost 2%. 👀

We’ll be off for July 4th, so we’ll see you in two weeks. Enjoy the fireworks! 🇺🇸