This week, Anna learns about how frustrating it is to apply for jobs these days, especially for early-career folks, even those with college degrees. First, Jeopardy champion Brendan Liaw talks about what it was like to list his job as “stay-at-home son” on national television. Then Slate writer Nitish Pahwa explains why talented people like Brendan are having such a hard time securing work. And finally, Anna discusses the growing prevalence of layoffs with Melanie Ehrenkranz, who writes a newsletter appropriately called <a href="https://laid0ff.substack.com/">Laid Off</a>. 
Mentioned in the episode: 
<ul>
 <li>
<a href="https://slate.com/author/nitish-pahwa/3#recent">“Why Are There No F-ing Jobs?”</a> -Nitish Pahwa
</li>
 <li>
<a href="https://slate.com/podcasts/what-next-tbd/2025/09/artificial-intelligence-is-winning-the-competition-with-young-workers">Is A.I. Taking Your Job?</a> -What Next TBD
</li>
</ul>
This episode was produced by Cameron Drews.
Get more Death, Sex & Money with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of DSM and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Death, Sex & Money show page on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/death-sex-money/id870688022">Apple Podcasts</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0yKEWqaqfaAKlSjYnDuisy">Spotify</a>. Or, visit <a href="https://slate.com/death-sex-money-plus?utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=plus_pod&utm_content=Death_Sex_Money&utm_source=episode_summary">slate.com/dsmplus</a> to get access wherever you listen.
If you’re new to the show, welcome. We’re so glad you’re here. Find us and follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/deathsexmoney/?hl=en">Instagram</a> and you can find Anna’s newsletter at annasale.substack.com. Our email address, where you can reach us with voice memos, pep talks, questions, critiques, is deathsexmoney@slate.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

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