Dec 6, 2021

A jobs report full of mixed signals

Joe Raedle via Getty Images

We'll also check in with an antique dealer and hear from restaurant owners as they look toward a second winter dealing with COVID-19.

Segments From this episode

Despite a meh jobs report, high-frequency data paints a bright picture

by Mitchell Hartman

Dec 6, 2021

With signing bonuses, rising wages and less fear of being laid off — what's not to like?

Each month since June, employers have posted more than 10 million job listings, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Spencer Platt via Getty Images

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COVID-19

The restaurant industry preps for a winter with omicron

by Kristin Schwab

Dec 6, 2021

Spending is still down, prices are up and owners are worried about how the variant will affect business.

Amid the continued spread of the coronavirus, spending at restaurants is still below pre-pandemic levels.

Scott Olson via Getty Images

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Could home equity lines of credit come back in 2022?

by Amy Scott

Dec 6, 2021

After a pause, HELOCs could regain popularity if mortgage interest rates rise.

If interest rates creep up in the coming year, homeowners may turn from refinancing to HELOCs.

Joe Raedle via Getty Images

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Workplace Culture

What makes federal infrastructure jobs "good-paying"?

by Meghan McCarty Carino

Dec 6, 2021

The idea that federally funded construction projects must pay a minimum "prevailing wage" goes back to a 1931 law.

The Department of Labor is preparing updates to the regulations of federally funded construction jobs. Above, a crew resurfaces a road in Alhambra, California.

Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

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Could hybrid work hold women back?

by Kai Ryssdal and Andie Corban

Dec 6, 2021

Because women are more likely to take advantage of workplace flexibility, journalist Emily Peck says they could be put on the "mommy track."

"That's the worry, that the women who take advantage of this new workplace flexibility will wind up in the same old mommy track," argues Emily Peck, who wrote about how working from home could hold women back professionally.

Sebastien Salom-Gomis/AFP via Getty Images

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My Economy

Can you teach an old antiques business new tricks?

by Minju Park

Dec 6, 2021

This San Francisco antiques business got its start by looking to the past. Now it's trying to prepare for an uncertain future.

Shippodo Fine Arts in the San Francisco Bay area primarily focuses on Japanese and Chinese antiques.

Photo courtesy of Ryosuke Ueda

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Music from the episode

Sister Owls Monster Rally

Cory Wong Vulfpeck

Equinox Desire J-Walk

Shaka Bundu Penny Penny

Lemon Lime Emancipator, Cloudchord

Pin It Down Madison Cunningham

I'm a Rock Jitwam

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Richard Cunningham Associate Producer I

Dylan Miettinen Associate Digital Producer

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