Your Daily Work Horoscope for May 24, 2025
Your Daily Work Horoscope for May 24, 2025. Discover your Daily Work Horoscope for each zodiac sign here.
Things look shaky at the start of the day, but persevere and you'll outlast the naysayers. You'll end up making surprising advances and possibly meeting deadlines you thought were impossible.
Look at the larger issues before diving into the next battle or risky venture. You might see that there's good reason to play it safe for now, but if the coast is clear, advance with caution.
Your observational skills are sharper than ever, and you will be able to see exactly where you need to act quickly to score the most points and drive home the biggest deals.
Your ideals should lead the way for you now. Your mind is clear and strong and you should easily be able to guide your team in a more positive direction. Many small steps can create shifts in course.
Group activities, from morale-builders to brainstorms, will go well with strong leadership and clearly articulated values. Your role will be pivotal, so take today's events very seriously. Find out what the cards have in store for you with your 2022 Tarot Reading.
Supervisors will pose problems that are currently unanswerable, but a little creative stalling might be all you need to put them off while you wait for the solution to materialize.
You'll have to choose sides when coworkers start feuding, but you'll be torn. It might come down to something small like personality or history. The issues are equally compelling on each side.
Let go of certainties and let new ideas play around in your mind. You won't necessarily revolutionize your work, but you might bump up productivity enough to make the boss happy.
Though a lot of players are on the field, the final score is largely up to you. If you stay clearheaded and flexible throughout the day, you'll be able to mix things up enough to win big.
If you've been waiting for the right time to act, get busy now. You risk losing momentum if you wait any longer. The elements are all aligned in your favor for the time being.
Change isn't always good, but recent shuffles or adjustments make the workday feel a little more adventurous to you. Try to convince your peers to let go of the old ways and share your excitement.
It's not a good time to rock the boat. If trouble is afoot, try to keep yourself at least one step removed from it or you might find yourself swept up in unprofitable backbiting and intrigue. What does your moon sign mean? Learn more about your emotional world with a Moon Sign Reading! 🌙
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CNET
37 minutes ago
- CNET
How to Prepare for a Layoff: 10 Tips to Stay Ahead in a Tough Job Market
Though no job is immune to layoffs, some industries are more vulnerable than others. Tharon Green/CNET Though the official unemployment rate is holding steady at 4.2%, many workers feel it's just a matter of time before there's a major shake-up. At least one in three US employees says they're experiencing layoff anxiety. Last week, the number of people filing for jobless benefits rose to the highest level in months. The Trump administration's cuts across federal agencies, health organizations and nonprofits have led to some 300,000 layoffs. As employers reduce personnel and freeze plans to hire new workers, there have been mass cuts across the tech industry, entertainment and education. ZipRecruiter's Career Expert Sam DeMase said that preparing for a job loss while you're actively employed helps you avoid having to scramble during a crisis. "Being proactive can really help give you some peace of mind if a layoff does happen," said DeMase. Think you're about to be laid off? Signs to look for Companies and households are getting ready for a recession, said Lisa Countryman-Quiroz, CEO of JVS Bay Area, a career training nonprofit in California. "We are living in a time of pretty radical uncertainty," she said. Experts warn that a global economic slowdown could uproot the US labor market as businesses adjust profit expectations and trim budgets. While there aren't always clear indicators of pending layoffs, there are some clues to look out for, according to DeMase. 👀 Does your position generate revenue? Non-revenue-generating roles within an organization might be crucial for overall functioning, yet these positions (HR, IT, legal and administration) tend to be more vulnerable since they don't directly produce business income. 👀 Has there been organizational restructuring? Leadership changes and reorganizations often signal an effort to improve performance or address financial difficulties. Merging, streamlining or employee buyouts could indicate a company is cutting costs or downsizing. 👀 Is your manager communicating regularly? If your supervisor has suddenly gone quiet or is canceling meetings, it might not be a scheduling conflict. They could be trying to minimize contact or deprioritize communication before a company-wide announcement. 👀 Have projects been scrapped or budgets frozen? If upcoming expenses or travels aren't being approved, or if hiring and promotions are suddenly frozen, that could be a warning sign that the company is focusing on financial cutbacks. Zooming out to the broader job market, DeMase says to look out for competitor layoffs within your industry or fewer job listings in your line of work, which could indicate economic pressures. If you're noticing a decline in entry-level jobs, that may mean those roles have been eliminated or replaced by automation. How to prepare for a layoff Amid overall economic uncertainty, employers are pulling back on open postings, and there's a high level of competition among eligible applicants. On average, DeMase said to expect a layoff to potentially leave you unemployed for three to 10 months. Though layoffs are financially motivated, they're likely to hit your confidence hard. "It feels horrible, like your value is gone. But that's not the case," DeMase said. "It's really important to remember that a layoff is a business decision." In a turbulent job market, preparation is everything. Here's how to make sure you're not caught off guard. "It's really important to remember that a layoff is a business decision." Sam DeMase, career expert at ZipRecruiter 1. Collect your paperwork in advance Though some employers still give advanced notice when there's a reduction in force, workers are increasingly being dismissed with little to no notice. You're likely to be locked out of company devices and communications, including email and payroll software, rather immediately. DeMase said to gather your personal information on your work computer and to make sure you have proof of employment and tax documentation. You'll need pay stubs and verification to apply for financial assistance or state unemployment benefits. Though you should never take confidential company information, you can save copies of your performance reviews and work samples for future reference. 2. Refresh your resume and network now While you're still employed, take a moment to update your resume and LinkedIn profile. DeMase recommends compiling a list of your achievements, notable projects and positive feedback from colleagues or clients. It's also a good idea to "warm up your network," said DeMase. If you've been employed for a long time at a company, check in with former colleagues and clients now. "That way, when you do reach out after you've been laid off, it's not a 911," she said. 3. Understand your severance payment When their position is eliminated, laid-off workers might be offered a severance package as compensation. The amount varies by employer, but a common formula is one or two weeks' pay for each year of employment. Any payment is taxable as ordinary income. Companies aren't required to offer severance payments. If you accept a severance package, you'll likely be required to sign an agreement stating that you won't sue your ex-employer. If you're 40 or older, your employer must give you at least 21 days to decide whether to accept a severance agreement under the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act. If it's a group termination (meaning multiple employees lost their jobs), you'll have at least 45 days to accept the agreement under the same law. 4. Research health insurance coverage Some employers will let you keep your employer-based medical, dental and vision coverage for a specified period at no additional cost. You might also consider seeking out coverage under a family member or spouse. If neither is an option, make sure you know about the federal law called the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. COBRA allows workers who leave their jobs to continue their health insurance if their company has 20 or more employees, usually for 18 to 36 months. You'll usually pay the entire premium, plus a 2% surcharge, which can get expensive when you've just lost your job. Another option is to shop on the Health Insurance Marketplace for a plan. If you've lost employer-based coverage, you might qualify for a special enrollment period if you sign up within 60 days of losing coverage. 5. Confirm other company benefits Payout for unused time off, including vacation and sick time. Some states require employers to pay workers for unused PTO if they leave their jobs for any reason. Company stock or retirement plan: Since accounts like 401(k) or 403(b) are employer-sponsored, find out if you can leave it where it is or roll it over to another investment account. Company equipment. If you have a company laptop or cellphone, you may be allowed to keep the equipment or buy it at a reduced price. Additional benefits. Some companies help laid-off workers find their next job by offering career counseling or resume assistance. 6. Look into unemployment eligibility If you get laid off and lose your job through no fault of your own, you'll typically qualify for unemployment benefits, although the rules vary by state. You'll usually file for benefits in the state where you worked. Contact your state's unemployment office immediately after you learn that your job has been cut. You can expect to wait about two to three weeks from the time you file until you receive your first unemployment check. Read more: How to File for Unemployment Benefits 7. Build your emergency fund ASAP If you're able to find areas of savings in your budget, make building your emergency fund a top priority. A high-yield savings account is a smart place to stash your emergency fund because you can earn interest and also access your money without penalty. Experts generally recommend an emergency fund that can cover at least six months of living expenses, though that's unattainable for most households living paycheck to paycheck. "Anything that you can put together, even a month's worth of rent, is going to be helpful." Lisa Countryman-Quiroz, CEO of JVS Bay Area "Anything that you can put together, even a month's worth of rent, is going to be helpful," said Countryman-Quiroz. Having even some emergency reserves will not only protect you but also give you peace of mind. "Come from a position of power and choice, rather than from one of scarcity and desperation and necessity," she said. 8. Don't liquidate your retirement accounts If you're suspicious that a layoff is coming, don't cash out your 401(k) or any other retirement account in a panic. You may owe a 10% early withdrawal penalty in addition to income taxes. However, if you're currently contributing extra to your retirement account, DeMase recommends rerouting some of that spending to your emergency savings so it can be liquid if you lose your job. 9. Review your spending and debts Creating a no-frills budget that only covers the necessities will give you a clear action plan in case you lose your job. Or if your savings are lacking, you could implement a bare-bones budget now so that you'll have a safety cushion if your income takes a hit. If you have any debt, try to pay off what you can now so you won't be stuck in a growing interest cycle when you're without a paycheck. DeMase said it's a good idea to start scaling back on any nonessential spending now. Take a close look at your budget to see what's necessary (housing, groceries, debt, utilities, etc.) versus what's optional (subscriptions, dining out, vacations, etc.). Use a budgeting app to help find expenses you can cut. 10. Find additional work and training If you're concerned that a job loss is on the horizon, you might be able to seek out alternative sources of income. DeMase said to consider taking on a side hustle, like freelance work or a part-time gig, while you're still employed. Having extra income streams now can help you save money and pay off debt faster. It's also a good opportunity to look into leveling up your expertise and qualifications. Countryman-Quiroz says that "future-proofing" your employability means building up interpersonal communication and collaboration as well as tech skills, specifically in the realm of AI. Local nonprofits and workforce development organizations often provide free resources to build skills in new sectors. Free and low-cost resources for job seekers Cal JOBS: Cal JOBS offers a complete set of employment tools for job seekers in California. American Job Center Finder: Thousands of job centers nationwide help people search for work, find training and answer other employment-related questions. LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn offers video courses taught by industry experts in Business, Creative, Technology and Certifications. Goodwill Industries: Goodwill Career Centers provide job training and placement services.
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New York Times
38 minutes ago
- New York Times
Live Updates: In Chaotic Economy, Hiring Remained Steady in May
Matt Minich, who was fired from his job with the Food and Drug Administration in February, was one of thousands swept up in the mass layoffs of probationary workers at the beginning of President Trump's second administration. After Matt Minich was fired from his job with the Food and Drug Administration in February, he did what many scientists have done for years after leaving public service. He looked for a position with a university. Mr. Minich, 38, was one of thousands swept up in the mass layoffs of probationary workers at the beginning of President Trump's second administration. The shock of those early moves heralded more upheaval to come as the Department of Government Efficiency, led by the tech billionaire Elon Musk, raced through agency after agency, slashing staff, freezing spending and ripping up government contracts. In March, about 45 minutes after Mr. Minich accepted a job as a scientist in the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, the program lost its federal grant funding. Mr. Minich, who had worked on reducing the negative health impacts of tobacco use, observed that he had the special honor of 'being DOGE-ed twice.' 'I'm doubly not needed by the federal government,' he said in an interview. He is still hunting for work. And like hundreds of thousands of other former civil servants forced into an increasingly crowded job market, he is finding that drastic cuts to grants and contracts in academia, consulting and direct services mean even fewer opportunities are available. Some states that were hiring, another avenue for former federal government employees, have pulled back. So, too, have the private contractors typically seen as a landing place. The situation is expected to worsen as more layoffs are announced, voluntary departures mount and workers who were placed on administrative leave see the clock run out. Image More than 700 people attended a recent resource fair in Arlington, Va., to receive free consultation, professional headshots and workshops. Credit... Maansi Srivastava for The New York Times With Mr. Musk's time in Washington now done, a fuller picture of just how completely he and Mr. Trump have upended the role of government is coming into view. Federal tax dollars underpin entire professions, directly and indirectly, and the cuts led by Mr. Musk's operation have left some workers with nowhere to go. In Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area, the disruption has the hallmarks of the collapse of an industrial cluster, not unlike the disappearance of manufacturing jobs in the upper Midwest during the 2000s. Except this time, it is moving at lightning speed. In January, just as Mr. Trump was taking office, the civilian federal work force across the country had reached a post-World War II peak of 2.3 million, not including the Postal Service. Few agencies have publicly stated how many people have been fired or voluntarily resigned, but a rough count shows that federal agencies have lost some 135,000 to firings and voluntary resignation, with another 150,000 in planned reductions. Contracted and grant-funded workers — which the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta estimated to be as many as 4.6 million people — are harder to track in official data. The first contractor layoffs began in February with organizations that received funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development, like Chemonics and FHI360. As more grants and contracts that were under review across government are terminated, job cuts have gained steam. Booz Allen Hamilton, the sprawling consulting firm based in Northern Virginia that gets 98 percent of its revenue from the federal government, announced that it was cutting 7 percent of its 36,000-person staff. Even providers of Head Start, the low-income preschool program, have issued layoff notices because funding has been in doubt. While the national labor market remains stable, job loss is starting to become notable in the capital region. Unemployment rates in the District of Columbia and most of its surrounding counties have been on the rise since December. The number of people receiving unemployment insurance has been elevated in Virginia and D.C. over the past several months. Job postings in Washington have dropped across the board, according to the hiring platform Indeed, including in opportunities for administrative assistance, human resources and accounting. Local government agencies around Washington are hosting dozens of hiring events, and most of them are packed. Elaine Chalmers of Woodbridge, Va., was among 750 people who attended a recent resource fair in Arlington, Va., just outside Washington. The event offered free consultation for updating résumés, as well as professional headshots and workshops, including one on managing personal finances during a transition in employment. Image Elaine Chalmers of Woodbridge, Va., resigned from her role at the Agriculture Department to escape the stress and uncertainty created by new mandates. Credit... Maansi Srivastava for The New York Times It was the fourth one she attended in the month since she left the Agriculture Department, where she had worked for 20 years, most recently in the division that ensured equal access to grants for rural communities. She resigned to escape the stress and uncertainty created by new mandates, such as erasing words like 'equity' and 'diversity' from department communications. 'It just became almost a character question for myself,' said Ms. Chalmers, 53. 'I couldn't honorably stay.' Like many of the federal workers who chose to take a deferred resignation or early retirement, one of the tools the administration has used to shrink the work force, she is on leave and will be paid through September. It is a relief, she said, because she is the sole caregiver for her mother and 15-year-old son. But the prospects do not look good. Ms. Chalmers said she expected to have to take a pay cut. She said she applied for more than 100 jobs in the week before the job fair and received several automated emails informing her that she did not get the position. For many government workers, career transitions can be especially daunting because their jobs are often extremely specific, performing functions that do not exist in the private sector. 'For a lot of them, it's almost like starting from scratch,' said Laura Moreno-Davis, a spokeswoman for WorkSource Montgomery, the work force agency for Montgomery County, Md., just outside D.C. 'If they really have a wealth of experience and knowledge, how can we best use that?' A new group formed by two former federal employees is trying to help people do that. 'How do you translate these skills that you've learned in the federal government that are so complex and seem to be so unique into something that can be communicated easily outside of the federal government?' said Julie Cerqueira, co-founder of the group, FedsForward. Ms. Cerqueira's partner, Karen Lee, said that people who worked in federal disaster recovery and resilience jobs, for example, had expertise that could easily transfer to private-sector work in contingency planning and supply chains. But it is not so simple for everyone. Chelsea Van Thof, 33, is a public health veterinarian who focused on diseases that spread from animals to humans, and humans to animals — a niche job even in government. A few weeks after the inauguration, the contract she worked under at the State Department was placed on hold for a 90-day review and ultimately terminated. Dr. Van Thof immediately lost her health insurance and took on a housemate to cover her rent. Image Chelsea Van Thof, a public health veterinarian, saw the contract she worked under at the State Department be placed on hold for a 90-day review and ultimately terminated a few weeks after President Trump's inauguration. Credit... Maansi Srivastava for The New York Times Plans for the future changed, too, as she had been counting on public-sector loan forgiveness to pay off her $250,000 in veterinary school debt, a prospect that now seems increasingly remote. She sometimes feels as though she is sending résumés into a void. 'I was just thankful when I got a rejection because it meant they saw my application,' she said. Like others in the science field, including Mr. Minich, she is looking for jobs outside the country. And in the meantime, she helped form a support group of about 80 wildlife protection conservationists who are in similar predicaments. People working on government contracts are hit especially hard because they are not eligible for the deferred resignation plans available to federal employees, and cannot look forward to their pensions. Todd Frank, of Westminster, Md., was given just a few minutes' notice before he was laid off as a technical writer on a contract with the Department of Homeland Security's science and technology directorate, helping get the appropriate gear out to military personnel in the field. Mr. Frank, 54, is now wrestling with whether to uproot his family to find a new job, which would come with steep trade-offs. His wife runs her own business — a licensed day care out of their home. His teenage sons do not want to leave their high school, he said. Lately, he is looking at the family's budget for where to make cuts. 'Not being able to buy a suit for prom sounds like rich people problems, but you don't want to turn around and tell your kid, 'You can't do this' or 'You can't do that,'' Mr. Frank said. Several states had advertised their eagerness to hire people laid off by the federal government in the early days of federal cuts. In March, Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania said the state would give hiring preference to former federal workers. Since then, the state government has received more than 7,300 applications from people who said they had federal experience, his office said, and so far, state agencies have hired 120 of them. But state jobs have gotten a lot more popular in recent months. Since March, former and current federal employees have sent in nearly 700 applications, California's human resources office said. Some states are having their own budget problems, in part brought on by uncertainty around the continuation of federal funding. Alaska, Massachusetts, Indiana, Louisiana and New Hampshire have implemented hiring freezes. Public health agencies in Ohio and Alaska have laid people off as grants were canceled. And a broad swath of universities have also paused new hires, including the University of California system, the University of Pennsylvania, and Emory University in Georgia. With the Trump administration's firings of scientists and grant cancellations from agencies including the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, science and consulting have been hit especially hard, according to Indeed. Companies and nonprofits that helped evaluate whether federal programs were working, like American Institutes for Research, have let go up to a quarter of their payroll. Paro Sen, a research scientist in Cincinnati, was laid off in May along with most of the people in her office at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. She worked on industrial hygiene, studying worker exposures that cause chronic health problems, and visited Washington in May with her union to talk to members of Congress about the need to restore these jobs to the federal government. 'This was my dream job that I have been ripped from,' she said in an interview. Ms. Sen and her colleagues work in such a specialized field that they are competing for very few available jobs, especially if they want to stay where they are. 'The job market right now is not amazing,' said Ms. Sen, 29. 'Cincinnati is not a very big city, and you've got, suddenly, some of the smartest people in this field all applying and competing for the exact same jobs at the same time.'
