Career growth and development can be life-enriching and build a bank account while serving as a financial foundation for retirement.

No matter a person’s calling, there are opportunities for career growth. Some workers seek out new skills, training, or education — or maybe a mentor — to enhance their existing roles or move up the career ladder. Others might pursue entirely new professions or career fields.  

The route to wealth and work happiness can also mean being your own boss — owning a business or perhaps starting a new one from scratch.

In June, The Currency^TM is focusing on career growth and the greater earnings potential that often comes with it. Keep an eye out for these articles:

Purpose and pay 

Switching jobs can be both exciting and stressful. Knowing your future paycheck certainly helps. With the addition of Cleveland this year, six cities and at least a dozen states have laws requiring employers to disclose pay ranges for open positions — either in job postings or during the hiring process.¹

Some of the states have similar requirements for internal job postings and promotions.² The laws have had a domino effect among U.S. employers, as companies with multi-state operations or remote workers incorporate pay transparency into their hiring procedures.³ The Currency will explain why. 

Beyond pay, many workers place a premium on purpose. A generational shift in the U.S. workforce has also brought about changes in goals and mindsets, with some 89% of Gen Z saying that a sense of purpose is important to job satisfaction.⁴ The Currency will take a deeper look at the pursuit of happiness at work.

Healthcare workers often find a strong sense of meaning in their work — but good pay and a strong outlook also help. As of April, jobs in healthcare had grown by 3.5% year over year, and the industry is responsible for 34% of the total payroll gains so far this year. Nursing is among the top jobs with the most entry-level roles that require a bachelor’s degree, but a growing number of jobs in healthcare can be landed with alternatives, such as certificates or licensing and training programs.⁵ Find out more later this month.

Soft skills, mentorships 

In an era where AI and automation dominate the conversation, it’s often the uniquely human skills that are setting professionals apart. Employers are increasingly valuing so-called “soft skills” like emotional intelligence, adaptability, and effective communication.⁶

From enhancing team dynamics to navigating complex problem-solving scenarios, mastering soft skills is essential for career advancement. The Currency will explain why.

Mentorships can also fuel career advancement by having experienced employees offer guidance, support, and insights to co-workers of all ages.

Some 98% of Fortune 500 companies have mentoring programs, while 40% of overall employees say they have a mentor in the workplace.^7,8 The benefits of such relationships often go both ways, with advice givers also finding much to learn. Learn more later this month.

Owning it 

Tender offers can be a way for many startups and private companies to financially reward their employees with stock shares for their hard work — and to foster a culture of ownership.

The Currency will review the main features of tender offers, including how they work and what employees should know when seeking liquidity for their shares.

Some workers forego the corporate route for a chance of becoming their own boss. Female entrepreneurs are taking the leap at unprecedented rates, starting 49% of new businesses last year, a 69% increase from 2019 and the highest rate in the past five years.⁹

Success rates on the whole are also promising. Overall business applications were at an elevated level in 2024 with more than three in five (65%) of new ventures turning a profit.¹⁰ The Currency will explore whether this trend will continue in 2025.