The Tech Talent Tightrope

It’s the month of love!

🌻 So, why does this week feel like we’re all the screaming sunflower meme?

On the one hand, it’s been a total whirlwind of hiring and onboarding new team members…and on the other - mass layoffs are back for remote workers.

The tech talent tightrope has never been more precarious.  

💚 LinkedIn profiles have been looking a little greener than usual, if you know what I mean.

It's a stark reminder of the balancing act we face every day. Yet - it makes the freedom of remote work all the more precious.

Job gains and losses, at speed, are tech’s new normal.

So how do we – as remote readers - prepare ourselves to withstand these relentless changes? That’s what this edition is about.

Job or no job, there’s plenty you can do to protect the way you work.

In this edition, join me as I chat with a top Sales Consultant in Mexico who knows a thing or two about shooting his shot. This week's feature? The illusion of job security in tech (spoiler: it's a HARMFUL myth). And catch a new video from Brazil showcasing a day in the life of people hired through Crossover.

Plus, explore the latest headlines (5000 German employees are not happy with their RTO policy), gesture wildly in public at our comic based on the Apple Vision Pro, and discover your next dream role in our job listings.

Are you ready to double-down on staying remote?

Love how you work!

xo, Andrew

🎯 Are you the kind of person who shoots their shot?

Here’s a startling truth for you: your brain can get so used to avoiding risk, that it becomes second nature.

Before you realize it, you automatically pick the safe option. Maladapted neural pathways turn your brain into a fortress when opportunity knocks.

But the opposite is also true! Just ask this week’s guest: Diego Ortiz.

He came across one of Crossover’s LinkedIn ads and sprang into action. In no time, he went from three months into a low-paying US remote job, to 3X his pay. 

🥂 And all because he believes in shooting his shot.

Watch the episode now! 👇

😩 Do you know what sucks?

Being paid less for doing the SAME job – just because you live outside of the US. A fair local wage is not asking a lot.

Yet time and time again, I see incredible talent accept international work arrangements that are far more beneficial for the employer.

That’s outsourcing for you. Yeet that mindset out the door (🦵).

Diego can show you how in this week’s episode of Out of Office.

I caught up with him in Guadalajara Mexico, during the Day of the Dead festivities to explore his remarkable career as a remote Sales Consultant.

To celebrate, we donned sombreros in his family home and visited the Cava de Oro distillery in the famous town of Tequila - to sample the good life.

🚀 Join us as we discuss shot taking and the go-getter spirit that led him here.

Ah, the taste of success!

🥂 Tequila & Traditions: Celebrate with Diego and I, Day of the Dead style.

📒 Remote Playbook: Get Diego's top tips for landing your dream job.

🤑 RIP Comfort: Discover how he 3X his salary, leaving his underpaid job behind.

🗽 NYC Dreams: Peek into Diego's life now that he’s paid what he’s worth.

🏜️ Beyond Borders: Shoot your shot at world of opportunity, no tequila required.

🤩 Get our latest episodes first!

🔥 Keep watching on our YouTube Channel.

💎 Become a remote star on Out of Office! Apply Now.

What does job security, a Yeti, and freedom of speech on X have in common?

🤦🏼♀️ They’re all myths.

This week’s feature article is a much-needed wake-up call.

• 130 tech companies have already waved goodbye to 32,576 tech workers this year!

Yes, we realize we’re only one measly month in. 

👉 Read the article.

These companies are unstoppable growth machines (but they’re still firing people). It’s clear that the tech industry is in its volatile villain era.

Here’s the kicker: remote workers are 35% more likely to be caught in the crossfire.

🙉 Don’t freak out – this article isn’t just another doomscroll.

It’s your way out of Wonderland, with practical advice on navigating the mad tech job market. This is how you're going to find calm in the chaos this week.

🐇 Ready to follow us down the rabbit hole?

❤️ Here’s What To Expect:

✅️ Job security in tech is a myth (and it’s actively harming your career!)

✅️ Mass job layoffs aren’t going anywhere. But they’re not about you, they’re about the markets many mood swings.

✅️ A story about free bagels: Simon Sinek shares a tale that offers us insight on the mindset shift we need to make in tech to succeed.

✅️ And one about VCRs: Your emotions keep you from taking risks. Mark Manson shares a lesson in risk from a time his folks once believed he was The Second Coming of Tesla.

✅️ The three things you can do to combat the job security myth: Practical advice from Rahul on how to act from a place of progress, and NOT fear.

✅️ Do you put your head down or aim to make waves? Find out how to create stability in the most unstable and ever-changing industry in human history.

Ready to turn the page on job security myths and script your own career adventure?

🥯 Read the full article now 🥯

(Before the next round of layoffs!)

👑 SVP of Commercial Product Management, Trilogy - $400,000 USD/hour

💡 Chief Development Officer, 2hr Learning - $200,000 USD/hour

😎 Software Engineer III – C++, IgniteTech - $100,000 USD/hour

🌟 See an opportunity you like? Take the risk! 🌟

😡 German Software Company SAP Gets RTO Backlash from Employees.

• A letter found its way to the CEO Christian Klein, signed by 5000 people.

🎓 Wharton Study Finds Remote Listings Draw More Diverse Applicants

• 33% more women and 33% more minority candidates applied.  

🥨 Plot Twist: Americans are Working Remotely for International Companies

• According to CNBC there’s been a 62% growth spurt in US hires abroad.

🖥️ TimesofIndia Reports Dell Has Transitioned Workers to a Hybrid Model

• This new RTO shift still makes space for remote work, but at a cost.

📈 Productive Work Time Increases By 22% With Telework Says Dr Tsipursky

• Hubstaff research shows focused time at home makes a BIG difference.

Curious about remote work leadership, the inner workings at Crossover, or about my remote travels? Drop me a question here – I see them all.

⚡️ Send it here.

This week’s questions comes to us from Aparna in Pune, India:

"What's the most crucial advice you'd give to those transitioning to remote work or aiming to lead remote teams successfully?"

Hey Aparna,

I love this question and will give you a simple answer to both parts!

For people transitioning to remote work, my advice would be to create great written documentation, and prioritize asynchronous methods of communication.

A zoom meeting will hardly ever be as productive as writing a document which concisely explains the logic behind what you want to do -then asking your colleagues to comment their feedback.

For new leaders of distributed teams, my advice would be to motivate them. Inspiring someone to join you in pursuit of a big goal is always more effective than telling them exactly how to get there. Help them to become as passionate as you are by being generous with context and praise, giving the benefit of the doubt when something goes wrong, and approaching feedback as course corrections for the future (not criticisms of the past).

Andrew

🧠 Have something on your mind? 👉 Ask Andrew 👈

💻🌴 What is the average day like for someone working with Crossover?

Explore our company culture through the eyes of our Brazilian team in this dynamic new video. It takes a candid look at how our top talent thrives in an environment that values flexibility, autonomy and work-life harmony.

☑️ Need more sun-soaked breaks in your day? Get them here.

☑️ Ready to work a three day work week? It’s waiting.

☑️ Sick of wasting time on the dreaded 2-hour commute? Good riddance.

Don’t take it from us, take it from our Brazilian team!

⭐ Hear their stories. ⭐

🎧 You Might Have Missed...

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📌 An Insider’s Guide to AI Recruiting…Land Your Next Job!

📌 How to Find and Land Software Developer Jobs: A 2 Minute Guide

Radically Remote is the new biweekly newsletter for remote leaders who want to stay on the pulse but don't have time for a snoozefest. Rebel with us!

Here's to working, managing and hiring remotely. Forever.

🖐 Do you think job security's a myth? Tell us below.

Andrew Allen is the VP of Content Marketing at Crossover. He lives in Auckland, New Zealand and has worked for Crossover since early 2021.

His superpower is using storytelling and humor to create memorable insights on complex topics. Learn more about him (and meet his doggos) here.