logo
Workers adjust to the ‘Boss Era' as tough economy rattles offices

Workers adjust to the ‘Boss Era' as tough economy rattles offices

Yahoo29-04-2025
When it comes to the world of work, it wasn't that long ago that the common buzzwords were 'Quiet Quitting' and 'Job Hopping'.
Those were the good old days when workers were in the driver's seat.
Today's job scene is now being called the 'Boss Era.'
One worker in Brookline's Coolidge Corner told Boston 25 News things are tense at work. 'I went thru a really intense reorganization and layoff this past winter around Christmas, and it was really scary.'
Still, many people feel lucky just to have a job.
Julia Fan just got laid off from a marketing position.
'It's really rough. You don't know what's going on. There isn't a lot of good communication between what you're doing and how you're doing, and whether or not how you're doing is going to translate into the fact you get to keep your job.'
That's a stark contrast to the job market a new year ago as the country came out of a pandemic slump.
'That evolved into let's work at home one day a week, or two days a week, even after COVID. Then of course we were in an over-employment situation, so the bosses really didn't have much of a choice,' explained Greg Stoller, a master lecture at the Questrom School of Business at Boston University.
'Fast forward 4-5 years. We've had a number of cuts. The Dow is whipsawing on a regular basis, and a lot of people are getting laid off both in the private sector and the public sector, and right now, I think the pendulum is shifting back to the bosses being able to call the shots.'
Hence the term -- the 'Boss Era'
Terms like 'Quiet Quitting' are now in the past tense.
'The pressure on workers has really ratcheted back up,' said Professor Nick Juravich, Ph.D., a professor of labor studies at UMass Boston.
He co-edited a new book called The Pandemic and the Working Class.
'I think bosses have really wanted to reassert control, whether that's surveilling people through their computers if they're working remotely, or getting them back in the office, or demanding that they be part of increasingly rigorous, intensive forms of on-the-job surveillance and tracking.'
Unions enjoyed a renaissance after COVID, but Juravich understands why some people might now be staying away.
'When conditions are this rough, it's not unreasonable for people to want to put my head down, and I think it's harder sometimes to get over that threshold to saying we're going to take a step and take a stand.'
'I think we are in a triage situation,' Stoller remarked. 'I think that this is not a drill. This is not a blip.'
Stoller thinks workers need to step up their game if they want to keep their name off the wrong list.
'I think everyone, including me, forgets that we're all replaceable. So, as I result, I think the onus is on the employee to work harder. So, if you're working from 9-5, I'm telling people to be in at 830 and stay until 5:30.'
He added, 'I think the pendulum has shifted that nobody owes you the right to work at home, so my point being, try to get into the office as much as possible.'
Some people told Boston 25 News they feel it's a no-win situation today.
It's hard if you have a job, and it's even tougher if you don't.
Julia Fan added, 'I'm not quite sure completely what the solve is to that. It seems like everybody is just as confused as me and you really have to kind of grit your teeth and work through it. It's just a hard, hard time.'
It's not just the health of the economy giving the job market a jolt.
Analysts are also watching how AI is reshaping the traditional world of work, and what that means for workers.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

This attorney left the US for Mexico when his pandemic-era side hustle exploded — now he rakes in more than $350K/year
This attorney left the US for Mexico when his pandemic-era side hustle exploded — now he rakes in more than $350K/year

Yahoo

timea few seconds ago

  • Yahoo

This attorney left the US for Mexico when his pandemic-era side hustle exploded — now he rakes in more than $350K/year

When COVID-19 brought Derrick Morgan Jr.'s legal career to a standstill, he looked for a way to make money from home — and found one that changed his life. Today, Morgan works full-time as a trademark attorney offering services directly to clients through online platforms. He lives primarily in Mexico City, pays himself $350,000 a year and has traveled to more than 60 countries, all while setting himself up for early retirement. 'My goal isn't necessarily to just be rich,' Morgan told CNBC Make It. 'My goal is just to have options.' Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) You don't have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here's how Turning trademarks into a thriving business In 2020, Morgan was working on a contingency basis at an Indianapolis law firm. But when the courts shut down during the pandemic, so did his income. That's when a cousin asked for help registering a trademark. Though Morgan had studied intellectual property in law school, he hadn't practiced it in his day job. Still, the work came naturally and sparked an idea. He began offering trademark services on Fiverr, a freelance marketplace. His straightforward communication and customer-friendly style helped him stand out. Within a few months, his side hustle became a full-fledged business. Today, Morgan offers everything from trademark searches and filings to brand enforcement, charging between $600 and $800 per client. With the help of a paralegal and an AI assistant, he's scaled down from 90-hour workweeks to about 45 to 50 hours. Since trademark law is federal law, Morgan says he can work from anywhere as long as he has a U.S. license with a state bar. This allows him to pursue his passion for travel. He's visited more than 60 countries so far, and splits his non-travel time between Dallas and Mexico City, where he lives for nine months each year. The other three months? 'Wherever the wind takes me,' he told CNBC Make It. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it How he manages and invests his money Morgan expects to earn about $500,000 this year and pays pay himself $350,000. He supplements that with $440 in monthly rental income from a Chicago condo. He spends about $2,000 on rent, and about $1,085 per month on dining out, mostly at his favorite taco spots. He doesn't own a car; instead, he relies on Uber, paying about $170 a month. He doesn't carry a balance on his credit cards and his only debt is $42,000 in student loans. Inspired by the FIRE movement (financial independence, retire early), Morgan hopes to retire in his 40s and sets aside at least 40% of his income each month. His investment strategy includes: Tax advantaged accounts: Solo 401(k), SEP IRA and HSA Taxable brokerage account: Allows early access to funds before age 59.5 Real estate: Including a stake in a boutique hotel development in Mexico 'I invest in real estate because I don't want all my wealth tied to the stock market,' he said. Morgan's hard work has paid off as he earns substantially more than the 2024 median pay of $151,160 per year for a U.S. lawyer. He's also setting himself up for a comfortable life moving forward by prioritizing his savings and diversifying his investments in tax-advantaged and taxable accounts. Want to follow in his footsteps? Here's how to start Morgan's story is inspiring, but replicating it starts with identifying your own skills and building a business around them. Then, you can layer in smart money moves to create long-term financial stability. How to turn your skills into a successful solo business: List out what you're good at: Include formal training, hobbies and tasks people come to you for help with. Look for overlap with market needs: Search freelance platforms or social media to see what services are in demand. Start small and test your offer: Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork or social media are great for validating your niche. Refine your process: Streamline your workflow, get help (like Morgan's paralegal or AI assistant) and raise your rates as demand grows. Build flexibility into your business: Choose a service or model you can do from anywhere. Smart investing tips for freelancers and solo entrepreneurs: Open a solo 401(k): Contribute as both employer and employee to maximize retirement savings. In 2025, solo 401(k) contributions can total up to $70,000 — or more with catch-up contributions, which raise the limit to $77,500 or $81,250 depending on your age. Consider a SEP IRA: Easy to set up, with high annual contribution limits. They allow employer contributions of up to 25% of your income or $75,000 in 2025. Just be sure your combined SEP and solo 401(k) contributions stay within IRS limits. Diversify beyond stocks: Like Morgan, consider real estate or alternative investments if they align with your goals. Morgan's success came from leaning into what he already knew and using discipline and smart planning to scale it into something life-changing. After years of 90-hour workweeks and committed saving, he's now built a life of freedom and a future of financial security. What to read next Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Accredited investors can now buy into this $22 trillion asset class once reserved for elites – and become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger without lifting a finger. Here's how Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

This attorney left the US for Mexico when his pandemic-era side hustle exploded — now he rakes in more than $350K/year
This attorney left the US for Mexico when his pandemic-era side hustle exploded — now he rakes in more than $350K/year

Yahoo

time24 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

This attorney left the US for Mexico when his pandemic-era side hustle exploded — now he rakes in more than $350K/year

When COVID-19 brought Derrick Morgan Jr.'s legal career to a standstill, he looked for a way to make money from home — and found one that changed his life. Today, Morgan works full-time as a trademark attorney offering services directly to clients through online platforms. He lives primarily in Mexico City, pays himself $350,000 a year and has traveled to more than 60 countries, all while setting himself up for early retirement. 'My goal isn't necessarily to just be rich,' Morgan told CNBC Make It. 'My goal is just to have options.' Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) You don't have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here's how Turning trademarks into a thriving business In 2020, Morgan was working on a contingency basis at an Indianapolis law firm. But when the courts shut down during the pandemic, so did his income. That's when a cousin asked for help registering a trademark. Though Morgan had studied intellectual property in law school, he hadn't practiced it in his day job. Still, the work came naturally and sparked an idea. He began offering trademark services on Fiverr, a freelance marketplace. His straightforward communication and customer-friendly style helped him stand out. Within a few months, his side hustle became a full-fledged business. Today, Morgan offers everything from trademark searches and filings to brand enforcement, charging between $600 and $800 per client. With the help of a paralegal and an AI assistant, he's scaled down from 90-hour workweeks to about 45 to 50 hours. Since trademark law is federal law, Morgan says he can work from anywhere as long as he has a U.S. license with a state bar. This allows him to pursue his passion for travel. He's visited more than 60 countries so far, and splits his non-travel time between Dallas and Mexico City, where he lives for nine months each year. The other three months? 'Wherever the wind takes me,' he told CNBC Make It. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it How he manages and invests his money Morgan expects to earn about $500,000 this year and pays pay himself $350,000. He supplements that with $440 in monthly rental income from a Chicago condo. He spends about $2,000 on rent, and about $1,085 per month on dining out, mostly at his favorite taco spots. He doesn't own a car; instead, he relies on Uber, paying about $170 a month. He doesn't carry a balance on his credit cards and his only debt is $42,000 in student loans. Inspired by the FIRE movement (financial independence, retire early), Morgan hopes to retire in his 40s and sets aside at least 40% of his income each month. His investment strategy includes: Tax advantaged accounts: Solo 401(k), SEP IRA and HSA Taxable brokerage account: Allows early access to funds before age 59.5 Real estate: Including a stake in a boutique hotel development in Mexico 'I invest in real estate because I don't want all my wealth tied to the stock market,' he said. Morgan's hard work has paid off as he earns substantially more than the 2024 median pay of $151,160 per year for a U.S. lawyer. He's also setting himself up for a comfortable life moving forward by prioritizing his savings and diversifying his investments in tax-advantaged and taxable accounts. Want to follow in his footsteps? Here's how to start Morgan's story is inspiring, but replicating it starts with identifying your own skills and building a business around them. Then, you can layer in smart money moves to create long-term financial stability. How to turn your skills into a successful solo business: List out what you're good at: Include formal training, hobbies and tasks people come to you for help with. Look for overlap with market needs: Search freelance platforms or social media to see what services are in demand. Start small and test your offer: Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork or social media are great for validating your niche. Refine your process: Streamline your workflow, get help (like Morgan's paralegal or AI assistant) and raise your rates as demand grows. Build flexibility into your business: Choose a service or model you can do from anywhere. Smart investing tips for freelancers and solo entrepreneurs: Open a solo 401(k): Contribute as both employer and employee to maximize retirement savings. In 2025, solo 401(k) contributions can total up to $70,000 — or more with catch-up contributions, which raise the limit to $77,500 or $81,250 depending on your age. Consider a SEP IRA: Easy to set up, with high annual contribution limits. They allow employer contributions of up to 25% of your income or $75,000 in 2025. Just be sure your combined SEP and solo 401(k) contributions stay within IRS limits. Diversify beyond stocks: Like Morgan, consider real estate or alternative investments if they align with your goals. Morgan's success came from leaning into what he already knew and using discipline and smart planning to scale it into something life-changing. After years of 90-hour workweeks and committed saving, he's now built a life of freedom and a future of financial security. What to read next Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Accredited investors can now buy into this $22 trillion asset class once reserved for elites – and become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger without lifting a finger. Here's how Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Stock Market News for Jul 25, 2025
Stock Market News for Jul 25, 2025

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Stock Market News for Jul 25, 2025

U.S. stock markets closed mostly higher on Thursday after a mixed bag of earnings from technology giants. Market participants were busy weighing developments on trade policies. Economic data also came in mixed. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite ended in positive territory, while the Dow finished in negative territory. How Did the Benchmarks Perform? The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) fell 0.7% or 316.38 points to close at 44,693.91. Notably, 18 components of the 30-stock index ended in negative territory and 12 finished in the green. The blue-chip index is currently 0.8% away from its all-time high posted on Dec 4, 2024. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite finished at 21,057.96, rising 0.2%, on the back of strong earnings results from AI behemoths. This reflects the tech-laden index's new closing high. In intraday trading, the index recorded a new all-time high of 21,113.10. The S&P 500 was up 0.1% to finish at 6,363.35, marking a new and its 13th closing high this year. In intraday trading, Wall Street's most watched benchmark posted a new all-time high of 6,381.31. Out of the 11 broad sectors of the broad-market index, eight ended in negative territory while three closed in positive territory. The Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR (XLY) and the Materials Select Sector SPDR (XLB) advanced 1.7% and 1%, respectively. On the other hand, the Energy Select Sector SPDR (XLE) fell 0.7%. The fear gauge CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) was up 0.1% to 15.39. A total of 19.9 billion shares were traded on Thursday, higher than the last 20-session average of 17.8 billion. The S&P 500 registered 46 new highs and six new lows, while the Nasdaq posted 81 new highs and 44 new lows. Mixed Earnings Results Alphabet Inc.'s GOOGL second-quarter 2025 earnings of $2.31 per share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 7.44% and grew 22.2% year over year. Revenues of $96.43 billion increased 13.8% year over year (13% at constant currency). Net revenues, excluding total traffic acquisition costs (the portion of revenues shared with Google's partners and the amount paid to distribution partners and others who direct traffic to GOOGL's website), were $81.72 billion, which surpassed the consensus mark by 2.2%. The figure rose 14.5% year over year. ServiceNow Inc. NOW reported second-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of $4.09 per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 15.54% and increased 30.7% year over year. Revenues of $3.22 billion beat the consensus mark by 3.02% and increased 22.4% year over year. At constant currency (cc), revenues increased 21.5% year over year to $3.19 billion. Tesla Inc. TSLA reported second-quarter 2025 earnings per share of $0.40, which topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.39 but decreased from the year-ago figure of $0.52. Total revenues of $22.5 billion surpassed the consensus mark of $22.4 billion but declined 12% year over year. Tesla's second-quarter production totaled 410,244 units (396,835 Model 3/Y and 13,409 other models), which declined 0.1% year over year and missed the consensus mark of 453,081 units. Consequently, stock prices of Alphabet and ServiceNow rose 1% and 4.2%, respectively. On the other hand, Tesla plummeted 8.2%. Alphabet and ServiceNow currently carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) each. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Economic Data The Department of Labor reported that initial claims decreased 4,000 to 217,000 for the week ended July 19, lower-than the consensus estimate of 227,000. Previous week's data was 221,000. Continuing claims (those who have already received government aids and reported a week behind) increased 4,000 to 1.955 million. The previous week's data was revised downward by 1,250 to 1.956 million. The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reported that new home sales in June came in at 627,000 compared with 623,000 in May. However, June's metric missed the consensus estimate of 660,000. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) : Free Stock Analysis Report ServiceNow, Inc. (NOW) : Free Stock Analysis Report Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store