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Silver staffers are America’s fastest-growing group in the workforce on January 12, 2024 at 2:32 pm Business News | The Hill

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The golden years have never been so productive. New research is showing that the fastest-growing group in the workforce is seniors over the age of 75.

A recent Pew Research Center survey reported that not only are there more older adults in employment – tripling from 2% in 1987 to 7% now – but they are also working longer hours with greater pay than ever before.

American employers now employ about 11 million older workers, a figure that has nearly quadrupled since the mid-1980s, and is set to get even larger. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that, in the next decade, the number of older Americans (aged 75 and older) in the labor force will grow by almost 97%.

What’s causing this silver surge? Increased life expectancy, evolving retirement plans and, for many, economic necessity. Another reason work lives are becoming longer is policy changes that mean workers now have to wait until the age of 67, instead of 65, to access full Social Security benefits.

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Older Americans are also healthier than before, tend to have higher education levels and have access to more flexible and less strenuous work, making it more viable – and enjoyable – for many to continue working. 

What does this mean for workers, and how can you future-proof your career now so it serves you into your golden years? Read on.

Prepare for a lengthening work life

The idea that your work life ends at 60 with a handshake and a gold watch has rapidly become far from the norm. According to Gallup, the average expected retirement age has jumped from 60 in the 1990s to 66 today, with 41% of American workers expecting to work in some capacity beyond the age of 65. 

What’s more, a global Bain & Company study showed that a huge 150 million jobs will shift to workers over the age of 55 by 2030.

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Why job satisfaction matters more than ever

It stands to reason that if you are working for longer, you want to be in a career you find interesting and fulfilling. The data bears this out: older workers are more than twice as likely as younger workers to work on their own terms and be self-employed (23% are, compared with 10% of workers ages 25 to 64).

Over 65s are also more satisfied with their jobs overall than younger workers, and are more likely to say they find their work enjoyable and fulfilling all or most of the time.

Many workers are even engaging in “flexitirement”, phased retirement programs that allow you to work fewer hours, but still generate income (and, in many cases, keep your health benefits).

A Mercer report showed that 36% of companies are currently offering part-time, flexible, or phased retirement choices, so consider exploring what packages and options companies in your industry offer.

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Most retirement savings aren’t cutting it – is yours?

According to census data, nearly half of American adults between 55 and 66 have no personal retirement savings. Worldwide, the average pension is way below the benchmark of around 65-80% of pre-retirement earnings recommended to maintain living standards in retirement.

So if you want to wind down work on your terms as you age, it will be crucial to have a solid retirement plan to ensure that if you continue working it’s because you want to – not because you have to.

Eager for your experience and expertise to be valued? There are lots of great openings on The Hill Job Board, like the three below.

Director, Global Affairs, Optica, Washington

Professional society Optica is seeking a Director of Global Affairs to help advance optics and photonics worldwide. Optica is the leading organization for those interested in the science of light – from scientists and engineers to business professionals and students. As director, you will develop and lead programs that advance public policy, laws and budgets in support of optics and photonics science and technology. Senior-level experience in international relations, public policy and non-profit management is a must. For more on the role and to apply, see here.

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Director, Regulatory Affairs, Flexible Packaging Association, Annapolis

Representing industry manufacturers and suppliers, the Flexible Packaging Association is hiring a Director of Regulatory Affairs. Established in 1951, the association is the leading advocate and voice for the U.S. flexible packaging industry. Reporting to the President and CEO, the role requires travel and will focus on analyzing and responding to legislative and regulatory proposals impacting manufacturers of flexible packaging. Learn more and apply for the role here.

Communications Manager, Delta Regional Authority, Washington

Are you a communications executive with experience leading teams and strong press communication skills? The Delta Regional Authority (DRA), an independent federal agency, is looking for a Communications Manager to work remotely from within DRA’s eight-state region. Responsible for both internal and external strategies, you will oversee the DRA’s social media platforms, website, media relations newsletter and more, helping to inform the public about the impact of DRA in their communities. Find out everything you need to know here.

For these and thousands of other opportunities, check out The Hill Jobs Board

​Lobbying, Business The golden years have never been so productive. New research is showing that the fastest-growing group in the workforce is seniors over the age of 75. A recent Pew Research Center survey reported that not only are there more older adults in employment – tripling from 2% in 1987 to 7% now – but they…  

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Harvard Grads Jobless? How AI & Ghost Jobs Broke Hiring

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America’s job market is facing an unprecedented crisis—and nowhere is this more painfully obvious than at Harvard, the world’s gold standard for elite education. A stunning 25% of Harvard’s MBA class of 2025 remains unemployed months after graduation, the highest rate recorded in university history. The Ivy League dream has become a harsh wakeup call, and it’s sending shockwaves across the professional landscape.

Jobless at the Top: Why Graduates Can’t Find Work

For decades, a Harvard diploma was considered a golden ticket. Now, graduates send out hundreds of résumés, often from their parents’ homes, only to get ghosted or auto-rejected by machines. Only 30% of all 2025 graduates nationally have found full-time work in their field, and nearly half feel unprepared for the workforce. Go to college, get a good job“—that promise is slipping away, even for the smartest and most driven.​

Tech’s Iron Grip: ATS and AI Gatekeepers

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) and AI algorithms have become ruthless gatekeepers. If a résumé doesn’t perfectly match the keywords or formatting demanded by the bots, it never reaches human eyes. The age of human connection is gone—now, you’re just a data point to be sorted and discarded.

AI screening has gone beyond basic qualifications. New tools “read” for inferred personality and tone, rejecting candidates for reasons they never see. Worse, up to half of online job listings may be fake—created simply to collect résumés, pad company metrics, or fulfill compliance without ever intending to fill the role.

The Experience Trap: Entry-Level Jobs Require Years

It’s not just Harvard grads who are hurting. Entry-level roles demand years of experience, unpaid internships, and portfolios that resemble a seasoned professional, not a fresh graduate. A bachelor’s degree, once the key to entry, is now just the price of admission. Overqualified candidates compete for underpaid jobs, often just to survive.

One Harvard MBA described applying to 1,000 jobs with no results. Companies, inundated by applications, are now so selective that only those who precisely “game the system” have a shot. This has fundamentally flipped the hiring pyramid: enormous demand for experience, shrinking chances for new entrants, and a brutal gauntlet for anyone not perfectly groomed by internships and coaching.

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Burnout Before Day One

The cost is more than financial—mental health and optimism are collapsing among the newest generation of workers. Many come out of elite programs and immediately end up in jobs that don’t require degrees, or take positions far below their qualifications just to pay the bills. There’s a sense of burnout before careers even begin, trapping talent in a cycle of exhaustion, frustration, and disillusionment.

Cultural Collapse: From Relationships to Algorithms

What’s really broken? The culture of hiring itself. Companies have traded trust, mentorship, and relationships for metrics, optimizations, and cost-cutting. Managers no longer hire on potential—they rely on machines, rankings, and personality tests that filter out individuality and reward those who play the algorithmic game best.

AI has automated the very entry-level work that used to build careers—research, drafting, and analysis—and erased the first rung of the professional ladder for thousands of new graduates. The result is a workforce filled with people who know how to pass tests, not necessarily solve problems or drive innovation.

The Ghost Job Phenomenon

Up to half of all listings for entry-level jobs may be “ghost jobs”—positions posted online for optics, compliance, or future needs, but never intended for real hiring. This means millions of job seekers spend hours on applications destined for digital purgatory, further fueling exhaustion and cynicism.

Not Lazy—Just Locked Out

Despite the headlines, the new class of unemployed graduates is not lazy or entitled—they are overqualified, underleveraged, and battered by a broken process. Harvard’s brand means less to AI and ATS systems than the right keyword or résumé format. Human judgment has been sidelined; individuality is filtered out.

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What’s Next? Back to Human Connection

Unless companies rediscover the value of human potential, mentorship, and relationships, the job search will remain a brutal numbers game—one that even the “best and brightest” struggle to win. The current system doesn’t just hurt workers—it holds companies back from hiring bold, creative talent who don’t fit perfect digital boxes.

Key Facts:

  • 25% of Harvard MBAs unemployed, highest on record
  • Only 30% of 2025 grads nationwide have jobs in their field
  • Nearly half of grads feel unprepared for real work
  • Up to 50% of entry-level listings are “ghost jobs”
  • AI and ATS have replaced human judgment at most companies

If you’ve felt this struggle—or see it happening around you—share your story in the comments. And make sure to subscribe for more deep dives on the reality of today’s economy and job market.

This is not just a Harvard problem. It’s a sign that America’s job engine is running on empty, and it’s time to reboot—before another generation is locked out.

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Why 9 Million Americans Have Left

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The Growing American Exodus

Nearly 9 million Americans now live outside the United States—a number that rivals the population of several states and signals a profound shift in how people view the American dream. This mass migration isn’t confined to retirees or the wealthy. Thanks to remote work, digital nomad visas, and mounting pressures at home, young professionals, families, and business owners are increasingly joining the ranks of expats.

Rising Costs and Shrinking Wallets

Living in the US has become increasingly expensive. Weekly grocery bills topping $300 are not uncommon, and everyday items like coffee and beef have surged in price over the last year. Rent, utilities, and other essentials also continue to climb, leaving many Americans to cut meals or put off purchases just to make ends meet. In contrast, life in countries like Mexico or Costa Rica often costs just 50–60% of what it does in the US—without sacrificing comfort or quality.

Health Care Concerns Drive Migration

America’s health care system is a major trigger for relocation. Despite the fact that the US spends more per person on health care than any other country, millions struggle to access affordable treatment. Over half of Americans admit to delaying medical care due to cost, with households earning below $40,000 seeing this rate jump to 63%. Many expats point to countries such as Spain or Thailand, where health care is both affordable and accessible, as a major draw.

Seeking Safety Abroad

Public safety issues—especially violent crime and gun-related incidents—have made many Americans feel unsafe, even in their own communities. The 2024 Global Peace Index documents a decline in North America’s safety ratings, while families in major cities often prioritize teaching their children to avoid gun violence over simple street safety. In many overseas destinations, newly arrived American families report a significant improvement in their sense of security and peace of mind.

Tax Burdens and Bureaucracy

US tax laws extend abroad, requiring expats to file annual returns and comply with complicated rules through acts such as FATCA. For some, the burden of global tax compliance is so great that thousands relinquish their US citizenship each year simply to escape the paperwork and scrutiny.

The Digital Nomad Revolution

Remote work has unlocked new pathways for Americans. Over a quarter of all paid workdays in the US are now fully remote, and more than 40 countries offer digital nomad visas for foreign professionals. Many Americans are leveraging this opportunity to maintain their US incomes while cutting costs and upgrading their quality of life abroad.

Conclusion: Redefining the Dream

The mass departure of nearly 9 million Americans reveals deep cracks in what was once considered the land of opportunity. Escalating costs, inaccessible healthcare, safety concerns, and relentless bureaucracy have spurred a global search for better options. For millions, the modern American dream is no longer tied to a white-picket fence, but found in newfound freedom beyond America’s borders.

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Will Theaters Crush Streaming in Hollywood’s Next Act?

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Hollywood is bracing for a pivotal comeback, and for movie lovers, it’s the kind of shake-up that could redefine the very culture of cinema. With the freshly merged Paramount-Skydance shaking up its strategy, CEO David Ellison’s announcement doesn’t just signal a change—it reignites the passion for moviegoing that built the magic of Hollywood in the first place.

Theatrical Experience Roars Back

Fans and insiders alike have felt the itch for more event movies. For years, streaming promised endless options, but fragmented attention left many longing for communal spectacle. Now, with Paramount-Skydance tripling its film output for the big screen, it’s clear: studio leaders believe there’s no substitute for the lights, the hush before the opening credits, and the collective thrill of reacting to Hollywood’s latest blockbusters. Ellison’s pivot away from streaming exclusives taps deep into what unites cinephiles—the lived experience of cinema as art and event, not just content.

Industry Pulse: From Crisis to Renaissance

On the financial front, the numbers are as electrifying as any plot twist. After years of doubt, the box office is roaring. AMC, the world’s largest theater chain, reports a staggering 26% spike in moviegoer attendance and 36% revenue growth in Q2 2025. That kind of momentum hasn’t been seen since the heyday of summer tentpoles—and it’s not just about more tickets sold. AMC’s strategy—premium screens, with IMAX and Dolby Cinema, curated concessions, and branded collectibles—has turned every new release into an event, driving per-customer profits up nearly 50% compared to pre-pandemic norms.

Blockbusters Lead the Culture

Forget the gloom of endless streaming drops; when films like Top Gun: Maverick, Mission: Impossible, Minecraft, and surprise hits like Weapons and Freakier Friday draw crowds, the industry—and movie fans—sit up and take notice. Movie-themed collectibles and concession innovations, from Barbie’s iconic pink car popcorn holders to anniversary tie-ins, have made each screening a moment worth remembering, blending nostalgia and discovery. The focus: high-impact, shared audience experiences that streaming can’t replicate.

Streaming’s Limits and Studio Strategy

Yes, streaming is still surging, but the tide may be turning. The biggest franchises, and the biggest cultural events, happen when audiences come together for a theatrical release. Paramount-Skydance’s shift signals to rivals that premium storytelling and box office spectacle are again at the center of Hollywood value creation. The result is not just higher profits for exhibitors like AMC, but a rebirth of movie-going as the ultimate destination for fans hungry for connection and cinematic adventure.

Future Forecast: Culture, Community, and Blockbuster Dreams

As PwC and others warn that box office totals may take years to fully catch up, movie lovers and industry leaders alike are betting that exclusive theatrical runs, enhanced viewing experiences, and fan-driven engagement are the ingredients for long-term recovery—and a new golden age. The Paramount-Skydance play is more than a business move; it’s a rallying cry for the art of the theatrical event. Expect more big bets, more surprises, and—finally—a long-overdue renaissance for the silver screen.

For those who believe in the power of cinema, it’s a thrilling second act—and the best seat in the house might be front and center once again.

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