What's going on: The employment numbers are finally here — weeks late due to the government shutdown. The headline isn’t great: Unemployment rose to 4.6% in November, up from 4.4% in September and the highest rate since fall 2021. Economists partly blame business costs and federal workforce cuts. But there was a bright spot: Employers added 64,000 jobs last month, somewhat reversing October’s drop, thanks largely to hiring in health care and construction. Still, skepticism remains. The Labor Department warned the shutdown disrupted data collection, which means the numbers may not tell the full story.
What it means: This report sends mixed signals — and uncertainty is the part that tends to make people nervous. Add in the fact that end-of-year layoffs no longer carry the stigma they once did (the Grinchiest economic bellwether we’ve ever heard of), and it’s understandable if your stress radar is going off. But don’t despair. If you’re employed, treat this as a nudge, not a red alert. Update that resume and keep your network warm, just in case. If you’re job hunting, don’t wait for January. Fewer people apply in December, which can give you an edge. If you’re feeling uneasy, layoff guides like this are helpful. Making these LinkedIn tweaks can’t hurt either. And remember: This isn’t a panic moment — but it may be a signal to shore up savings and avoid risky career moves.
