The numbers are in, and the May jobs report completely defied expectations. Dropping a massive 172,000 new jobs against a predicted 85,000, the data suggests a resilient workforce economy. In his monthly chat with WDEL’s Peter MacArthur, Placers President Chris Burkhard noted that this forms a true three-month trend, marking the strongest stretch of job creation since early 2024.
However, beneath the headline numbers lies a more complex story of a modern, shifting workforce.
Unpacking the “Leverage Shift” and Underemployment
While signs of life are returning to the local Delaware market, the economic landscape remains highly fragmented. Chris highlighted a noticeable rise in underemployment, with nearly 4.5 million Americans working part-time. While some choose multiple roles to maintain a “side hustle” due to inflation and living costs, many would prefer full-time roles but find companies leveraging flexible, contingent labor instead of committing to permanent payroll overhead.
Furthermore, employee sentiment doesn’t quite match the glowing headlines. Low quit rates reveal a trend of “job hugging,” meaning workers are staying put due to gas prices and economic uncertainty rather than risking a jump to a new company.
Navigating a Hyper-Selective Market: Strategy for Young Professionals
Note: Due to a technical broadcast error, Chris’s response to this final question was cut from the audio recording. His complete, intended advice is provided in full below.
Because employers currently hold the leverage, entry-level hiring has cooled significantly. Companies are hunting with high precision for senior, execution-ready talent. For recent grads and younger workers trying to break through, Chris outlines a critical two-part shift in strategy:
- Build Your Personal “Board of Advisors”: Intentionally cultivate a network of five to eight trusted mentors. Look for individuals who know you well, natural connectors, and proven problem-solvers who can provide objective career guidance. This forces you to network with a purpose. Chris recommends career resources like the books Job Moves and The Business of You, both featured on the Outside Insights podcast, which offer excellent frameworks for treating your career like a business enterprise.
- Reframe the First Job: Job seekers must reframe their perspective on the entry-level experience. A first job should be viewed exactly as what it is: a foundational opportunity to experience a corporate culture, collaborate with a team, and learn how to manage professional relationships. By dropping unrealistic expectations and recognizing that a first job is rarely a final destination, younger workers can find abundant paths forward. There is plenty of work available for those who are willing to roll up their sleeves and start the journey.
Get the Tools: If you want the specific resources and templates to build your own personal Board of Advisors, reach out directly to Chris Burkhard at Chris@myplacers.com.
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