Welcome back, and we’re delighted to see you returning for more insights and inspiration. If you’re in search of fresh, engaging content to watch, you’re in luck — there’s an exciting new video podcast now available, hosted by the accomplished journalists Katie Notopoulos and Emily Stewart. Their show, titled “Well Spent,” takes a deep, thoughtful dive into the fascinating world of consumer behavior — exploring not only what we choose to buy, but also why and how those decisions shape our lives. The premiere episode sets an impressive tone by tackling one of the most significant and financially daunting purchases most people make in their lifetime: buying a home. It’s a smart, relevant, and compelling conversation that anyone navigating today’s housing market will appreciate. You can watch it right here and start gaining a better understanding of the forces behind how we spend and invest in our future.
Today’s lead story, however, focuses on a different but equally pressing topic: the anxiety sweeping through many industries as rumors and realities of layoffs spread. For countless workers, this uncertainty has triggered an uneasy sense that the ground beneath them could shift at any moment, making it more crucial than ever to plan strategically for potential disruptions in employment. As the saying goes, it’s wise to hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
Here’s what’s on the agenda today:
**Markets:** Interested in capitalizing on the growing surge in AI-driven data centers? There’s a specific Exchange-Traded Fund designed precisely for that — allowing investors to participate in the sector’s rapid expansion as machine learning technologies demand unprecedented levels of computing power.
**Tech:** Curious to learn how human workers are teaching Tesla’s ever-evolving Optimus robot to mimic human behavior? The process is surprisingly complex and involves a blend of physical precision, repetition, and creativity to help a machine move, react, and even improvise like a person.
**Business:** On a very different note, social media has unexpectedly turned into a lucrative secondary occupation for certain members of the military, allowing them to monetize their online presence while balancing their service commitments.
But before we dig deeper into the details, remember this guiding principle: always plan ahead, even as you remain optimistic.
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### The Big Story: Plan L(ayoffs)
Halloween may have passed, but the atmosphere in the labor market still feels eerily uncertain — almost spooky in its unpredictability. Many professionals now regard job security as an increasingly rare luxury. Yet rather than waiting passively for potential job cuts, a growing number of individuals are taking matters into their own hands and preparing well in advance, according to reporting by BI’s Jacob Zinkula. Some of these proactive workers are quietly exploring new opportunities while still employed, ensuring they have options if things take a turn. Others are supplementing their primary income through side hustles or even managing two full-time roles to diversify their earnings. Regardless of the method, the ultimate objective remains constant: to avoid being caught completely off guard when corporate restructuring or cost-cutting measures arrive.
This mindset represents sound career wisdom regardless of the broader economy, though it feels particularly relevant now. Hiring activity remains sluggish, and for months the labor market has appeared to be in a state of near paralysis — with companies hesitant to expand and few voluntary departures. The modest uptick we’ve seen recently is driven more by layoffs than by fresh recruitment. Compounding this instability is the unsettling trend of “rolling layoffs,” in which organizations choose to execute several smaller cuts over time rather than one major downsizing. While this method is intended to prevent overcorrection, it nonetheless leaves employees in a prolonged state of distress and erodes morale.
As if all of this weren’t worrisome enough, the rapid rise of artificial intelligence adds yet another layer of uncertainty. Many corporations are enthusiastically embracing automation and algorithmic efficiency, which employees sometimes interpret as a precursor to workforce reductions.
Critics might dismiss these preparations as pessimistic overreactions. It’s common to hear retorts such as, “If you simply focused more on excelling at your current role, you wouldn’t need to worry about layoffs.” But the reality is far more complex. Job cuts are not always predictable or even logical after the fact. For example, Amazon’s recent workforce reductions were initially framed as part of a broader effort to become leaner in the so-called new era of AI. An internal memo even encouraged employees to “lean in on AI,” suggesting a technological shift was central to the decision. Yet only a few days later, CEO Andy Jassy publicly clarified that the layoffs weren’t primarily driven by AI — at least, not yet — but were instead linked to cultural goals and organizational realignment.
The key takeaway is clear: it never hurts to be proactive. Preparing for potential layoffs is not an act of fear, but of foresight. And should you find yourself unexpectedly affected, we’ve gathered valuable resources and advice to guide you through what to do next.
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### Three Developments in Markets
1. **The ETF poised to benefit from the AI data-center explosion:** According to analysts at Ned Davis Research, the Tema Electrification ETF (ticker: VOLT) stands to gain significantly from the global surge in spending on AI infrastructure. Remarkably, it has already outperformed the S&P 500 and is projected to exceed the index’s returns by roughly 20% by 2027.
2. **Transitioning from Wall Street to artificial intelligence:** Former Balyasny portfolio manager Barry Duong turned his noncompete downtime into an opportunity for reinvention by immersing himself in the world of AI. Today, he leads AI strategy at the startup Hebbia and encourages other finance professionals to consider leveraging their strategic and analytical expertise in this transformative field.
3. **The ‘accidental banker’ at the helm of a powerhouse:** Houlihan Lokey CEO Scott Adelson shared his perspective on how the bank is positioning itself for growth. While many competitors have turned cautious, Houlihan Lokey is actively hiring and pursuing selective acquisitions to strengthen its deal-making capabilities.
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### Three Highlights from Tech
1. **The art of teaching a robot to think and move like a human:** Inside Tesla’s research lab, employees are performing everyday gestures — from cleaning a surface to carrying objects — as live motion capture data for the Optimus robot. Interviews with current and former staff reveal that the process can involve everything from dancing and sprinting to simulating exaggerated animal movements. Precision and realism matter so much that each motion is meticulously evaluated for how convincingly “human” it appears.
2. **AI research with emotional intelligence:** Former xAI scientist Eric Zelikman is building a new venture called Humans&, which aims to create artificial intelligence systems capable of understanding and responding empathetically to human emotions. His startup is reportedly seeking $1 billion in funding at a $4 billion valuation — reflecting a major shift toward developing emotionally aware AI experiences.
3. **Amazon’s turbulent week:** The tech giant faced notable upheaval as widespread layoffs coincided with a strong quarterly earnings report that buoyed investor confidence. Behind both developments is CEO Andy Jassy’s ongoing mission to refine Amazon’s culture while strengthening its credentials as a serious player in AI innovation.
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### Three Stories in Business
1. **A surprisingly analog advertising battle in Silicon Valley:** Despite being the epicenter of digital innovation, San Francisco’s latest marketing frenzy revolves around something old-fashioned — billboards. Demand for physical ad space has skyrocketed, particularly from flush AI startups eager to make an impression, leading to competition so fierce that certain billboard inventories are already booked solid for the year ahead.
2. **From soldier to influencer:** Sgt. 1st Class Johnny Vargas has discovered that his creative use of social media now generates more income than his primary military salary. His experience reflects a broader trend of service members leveraging online platforms for personal branding and side income, and he’s determined to help others in uniform do the same responsibly.
3. **Top executives share timeless career lessons:** Climbing to the executive suite rarely follows a fixed path — it depends on timing, industry dynamics, mentorship, and strategic relationships. Senior leaders interviewed by BI shared the career advice that most profoundly shaped their success, offering readers valuable guidance for navigating their own professional journeys.
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### Additional News and Events
Today’s major headlines include the ongoing trial of a former aide to New York governors Andrew Cuomo and Kathy Hochul, accused of acting as an agent of the Chinese government, and a shareholder vote at AstraZeneca regarding the potential listing of its shares on the New York Stock Exchange. This issue was curated and edited by Dan DeFrancesco, Hallam Bullock, Akin Oyedele, Grace Lett, and Amanda Yen, representing Business Insider’s editorial teams from both New York and London.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/workers-proactive-strategies-for-getting-ahead-of-the-job-market-2025-11
