Copyright Forbes
This is a published version of Forbes’ Careers Newsletter. Click here to subscribe and get it in your inbox every Tuesday. Transitioning from one job to another is not easy for anyone. But it can be even harder for service members who are transitioning from active duty into civilian life. Veterans account for 24% of the federal workforce, or about 713,000 employees at the end of 2024—though cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs could lower that number this year. But former service members make up only 5% of the American workforce, according to the Pew Research Center. Every year, Forbes releases its annual list of the Best Employers for Veterans, highlighting the companies that prioritize recruiting and retaining former service members. The transition from the military involves more than just adjusting to a 9-to-5 schedule and adopting corporate lingo. While veterans may have acquired the skills and knowledge to do a job well—even without degrees, state certifications or licenses—it’s not always easy to explain how those skills translate to a corporate position. That’s where employers like Salesforce, Bank of America and Nike shine. These companies, among others, offer veteran-specific programs that range from career development opportunities, skills training, housing assistance and health benefits. Veteran employee resource groups and partnerships with nonprofits like Combat Veterans to Careers can help workers once they’re in the organization. And that’s just the white-collar firms that aren’t working with military or defense contracts. Companies like Booz Allen Hamilton, Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin are especially attractive for those wanting to use their field knowledge in a corporate setting. MORE FOR YOU If the big corporate life isn’t the right fit post-service, small businesses can be a great place for veterans to use their team building, leadership and executive decision skills. Take Christian Ruf, a former special forces helicopter pilot Forbes profiled earlier this year who places other former elite special operations units in positions to help run small businesses, from roofing and HVAC companies. His pitch to owners looking to sell or fill leadership roles is all about translating skills. “We’re taught to be the silent professional—you know, that we’ve got to be quiet about what we do,’’ he told Forbes. “And I think that can actually hinder us in the private sector, where we have to sell ourselves.’’ Thank a veteran in your office today, and enjoy this week’s news below! WORK SMARTER Practical insights and advice from Forbes staff and contributors to help you succeed in your job, accelerate your career and lead smarter. Make a meeting’s purpose clear and more tips on how to level up from manager to leader. How to keep growing your career if you can’t leave your current job. Retirement doesn’t have to mean slowing down. Consider these side hustles that could earn you an extra $1,000 a month. Here’s why these remote jobs survive mass tech layoffs. DEEP DIVE: The October Labor Market While the Department of Labor did not publish official government numbers on unemployment, hires or jobs cuts, a slew of private-sector metrics offers a look into the last month in the world of work. Things didn’t look too good. It’s day 42 of the government shutdown—though a Senate deal could soon bring it to an end —and we have no official government data on the labor market. In lieu of the monthly jobs reports, here is what private sector data had to say: U.S. companies shed 11,250 jobs per week, on average, during the four weeks ending October 25, according to payroll processor ADP. A slew of layoff notices at the end of the month changed the tone after what seemed to be a promising addition of 42,000 jobs. Indeed, it was the highest number of layoffs announced in any October of the last two decades, according to data from outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. All in all, American companies have shed over 1 million roles this year, up 44% from 2024. That number of cuts has only been reached four times in the last 32 years: 2001 after the dot-com bubble burst; 2008 and 2009 during the Great Recession; and 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic struck. If job seekers are feeling the negativity, employees are too. Just 45.7% of employees reported having a positive business outlook for their employers, according to Glassdoor’s Employee Confidence Index, with the travel and public sectors seeing sharp declines. This mirrors the jobs most affected by the shutdown: air traffic controllers, flight attendants and airline workers, and federal employees, many of whom are currently furloughed or working without pay. TOUCH BASE News from the world of work. Some of Tesla’s top engineering talent is leaving as CEO Elon Musk prioritizes the automaker’s AI business. Just days after shareholders backed Musk’s $1 trillion pay package, the engineers running the company’s main vehicle programs—Model Y, Model 3 and the controversial Cybertruck—put in their notice, reports Alan Ohnsman. Ever bought a hot dog from a government tax attorney? Isaac Stein is a furloughed lawyer at the IRS Chief Counsel’s office who has turned to a childhood dream of working a hot dog stand during the government shutdown, Kelly Phillips Erb reports. President Donald Trump has a clear message for air traffic controllers: “Get back to work, NOW!!!” In the same Truth Social post, Trump announced Monday that controllers who did not take any time off during the shutdown would be recommended for $10,000 bonuses, though one controller told Forbes that “almost everyone has taken some time off.” Starbucks baristas are set to strike this Thursday on “Red Cup Day,” when the coffee chain gives away free reusable cups to mark the holiday season. Unless a final employment contract is reached by then, baristas at over 550 locations plan to strike. NUMBER TO NOTE 1.9% That’s the share of full-time jobs posted on Handshake that offer visa sponsorship for international workers this year, according to a Bloomberg report. That’s significantly down from 10.9% in 2023. VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMvNdt2WRF4 How To Survive An Employer’s Job Market QUIZ There are certain email phrases that make all workers cringe. Which of the following is NOT among them (at least not the top 10)? A. “Can you chat?” B. “Hey” C. “Need this ASAP” D. “Please advise”
