The Lonely Office

Glassdoor
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The Lonely Office

Welcome to The Lonely Office: a podcast about the increasingly blurry line between work and life, brought to you by Glassdoor. We discuss topics based on real stories sourced firsthand from anonymous conversations: like the rise of job ghosting, why unlimited PTO is a scam, and how to handle a nightmare boss. We also provide insider advice on navigating layoffs while negotiating severance, and cover outrageous work stories like candidates vaping during interviewees or employees getting fired for free speech at work. You don’t need to brave the professional world alone, so join us and listen in. It’s hosted by Matt Sunbulli (serial tech entrepreneur, Founder @ Fishbowl and First Draft AI), Aaron Calafato (podcaster, 7 Minute Stories), and Leah Ova (content creator and advertising executive), with special appearances from comedians, industry thought leaders and economists.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    When Does Adulting Really Start?

    We all remember our first adulting moment. For some, it was their first paycheck; for others, it was moving to the big city. For Amani, it was getting kicked off the family phone plan. When does adulthood start? Do you have to stop chasing your dreams to pay the bills? This week, we discussed moving out, paying rent, and everything #Adulting. Hosts: Matt Sunbulli https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/ https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbulli https://www.firstdraft.vc Aaron Calafato Listen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories Leah Ova Follow Leah on TikTok Editorial: Matt Sunbulli Brooks Borden Ken Wendt Aaron Calafato Audio: Ken Wendt Jan Cruz Research: Zaid Safe Matt Sunbulli

    27 min

  2. 1 NOV

    Decoding the Job Market: What Today's Employment Report Really Means

    On this episode of The Lonely Office, we dive into the latest economic insights with Glassdoor’s lead economist, Daniel Zhao, as he unpacks the complexities behind two major job market reports—the JOLTS report and the Employment Situation report. With factors like hurricane impacts and the Boeing strike shaping this month's data, we break down what these reports reveal about job openings, hiring rates, and why so many employees feel “stuck” in their roles. Join us for a candid look at the evolving job market and the pressing questions around work-life balance, job security, and career satisfaction. Special Guest: Daniel Zhao https://www.linkedin.com/in/dbzhao/ Hosts: Matt Sunbulli https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/ https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbulli https://www.firstdraft.vc Aaron Calafato Listen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories

    18 min

  3. 30 OCT

    Blue-Collar Job Envy: Myth vs. Reality

    As the sparkling promise of a college education turned into the shadow of crushing student debt, many are signing up to be mechanics, technicians, and electricians—and desk workers are yearning to make the switch. Are the tides finally turning on the trades? Or is it a case of romanticizing the other, and wanting what you can’t have? This week, we talk the pros and cons of blue collar jobs, living to work vs. working to live, and the quest for meaning within it all.  Hosts: Matt Sunbulli https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/ https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbulli https://www.firstdraft.vc Aaron Calafato Listen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories Leah Ova Follow Leah on TikTok Editorial: Matt Sunbulli Brooks Borden Ken Wendt Aaron Calafato Audio: Ken Wendt Jan Cruz Research: Zaid Safe Matt Sunbulli

    32 min

  4. 23 OCT

    How to Negotiate Like a Pro Athlete?

    In the sports world, contracts go far beyond the numbers. From deferred payments to ‘love of the game’ clauses, there’s a lot we can learn from athletes like Shohei Ohtani and Michael Jordan. Can you negotiate like the pros? And how much leverage do you really have? We’ve got answers, advice, and tips to help you get paid. Hosts: Matt Sunbulli https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/ https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbulli https://www.firstdraft.vc Aaron Calafato Listen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories Leah Ova Follow Leah on TikTok Editorial: Matt Sunbulli Brooks Borden Ken Wendt Aaron Calafato Audio: Ken Wendt Jan Cruz Research: Zaid Safe Matt Sunbulli

    28 min

  5. 18 OCT

    Startup Gamble: What are Your Odds?

    In this episode of The Lonely Office, we dive into the world of startups and the hard truths behind venture capital. Peter Walker, Head of Insights at Carta, joins us to break down the numbers, offering key advice on when to take that leap into entrepreneurship—or when to hold back. Special Guest: Pete Walker Hosts: Matt Sunbulli https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/ https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbulli https://www.firstdraft.vc Aaron Calafato Listen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories

    20 min

  6. 16 OCT

    Beat the Algorithm to Get a Job?

    In the age of algorithms, getting noticed by employers can feel like trying to go viral. When did applying for jobs morph into a social media contest? Sometimes, the best way to outsmart the system is to circumvent it altogether. In this episode, we share stories and research on some age-old tactics that can help land you a job. Hosts: Matt Sunbulli https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/ https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbulli https://www.firstdraft.vc Aaron Calafato Listen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories Leah Ova Follow Leah on TikTok Editorial: Matt Sunbulli Brooks Borden Ken Wendt Aaron Calafato Audio: Ken Wendt Jan Cruz Research: Zaid Safe Matt Sunbulli

    34 min

  7. 9 OCT

    Job Hunters Are Draining 401ks to Stay Afloat

    401ks were meant to be our generation’s retirement plan, but now they’re becoming many workers’ only means of survival. With Social Security drying up and a chaotic job market, our financial future hangs in the balance. Are we really spending too much money on coffee? Or are we innocent victims of a broken system? Today, we’re talking retirement, 401ks, and all about the moolah. Hosts: Matt Sunbulli https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/ https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbulli https://www.firstdraft.vc Aaron Calafato Listen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories Leah Ova Follow Leah on TikTok Editorial: Matt Sunbulli Brooks Borden Ken Wendt Aaron Calafato Audio: Ken Wendt Jan Cruz Research: Zaid Safe Matt Sunbulli

    28 min

  8. 2 OCT

    Is Amazon's Return to Office a Layoff in Disguise?

    Amazon’s company-wide return-to-office mandate sent shockwaves through the tech world. And 72% of employees said they were ‘reconsidering their future’ with the company.  Is Amazon’s decision a mass layoff in disguise? Will more companies follow suit? Stanford economist Nick Bloom joins us to find the truth behind the headlines. Special Guest: Nick Bloom Hosts: Matt Sunbulli https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/ https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbulli https://www.firstdraft.vc Aaron Calafato Subscribe to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories Podcast

    29 min
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Trailer

About

Welcome to The Lonely Office: a podcast about the increasingly blurry line between work and life, brought to you by Glassdoor. We discuss topics based on real stories sourced firsthand from anonymous conversations: like the rise of job ghosting, why unlimited PTO is a scam, and how to handle a nightmare boss. We also provide insider advice on navigating layoffs while negotiating severance, and cover outrageous work stories like candidates vaping during interviewees or employees getting fired for free speech at work. You don’t need to brave the professional world alone, so join us and listen in. It’s hosted by Matt Sunbulli (serial tech entrepreneur, Founder @ Fishbowl and First Draft AI), Aaron Calafato (podcaster, 7 Minute Stories), and Leah Ova (content creator and advertising executive), with special appearances from comedians, industry thought leaders and economists.

Information

  • Creator
    Glassdoor
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    79
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Lonely Office

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