#job market insights

[talismatic-jobmarket]

Talismatic is a cutting-edge hiring intelligence tool that provides job market data specific to certain states and cities, thereby helping recruiters gain hiring insights about the geographic distribution of various skills.

[propellum]

Enriching job data for recruiters through job wrapping tools involves enhancing job postings data consolidated into your job board platform.

[mentorshelly]

How to Conquer the Job Market After High School

Congratulations, high school graduate! You have finally completed one of the most challenging stages of your life and are now ready to tackle the world that lies ahead. However, with the job market becoming increasingly competitive, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out how to succeed on your own. This is where I come in, your wise and witty guide, ready to give you the three must-have tips…

[coochiequeens]

Gay men and the wealthy are no longer content to exploit one woman now exploiting two at the same is becoming trendy

Why have one baby when you can have 2? People are paying $500,000 to hire 2 surrogates at once and have 'twiblings'

By Kelsey Vlamis  Jul 16, 2024, 3:04 PM EDT

Some people are hiring two surrogates at the same time to carry their babies.

Concurrent surrogacy can be complicated and costly, with prices reaching up to $500,000 or more.

Many people who do it are in their 40s and trying to build out their family quickly.

Bill Houghton still vividly remembers the moment he met his son.

He was sitting in the hospital waiting room, right outside the birthing room, when a nurse appeared carrying a little green bundle.

"I just held him in my arms and just started crying. It was so overwhelming. My husband was like, 'Oh my God, I can't believe that this is it. We're a family,'" Houghton told Business Insider. "This is my son."

Just one week later, Houghton and his husband would have the same experience all over again when their second child, another son, was delivered.

"And it has been like that ever since," he said. "To this day, I still look at them and I think, 'Oh my God, these are my sons.' My father had sons. I never thought that I would have a son."

Houghton and his husband opted to become parents via concurrent surrogacy — a process in which two surrogates are hired to carry two babies at the same, or overlapping, time.

The resulting children can be born anywhere from one week apart, like Houghton's, to nine months apart, and have been referred to by some people in the industry as "tandem siblings" or "twiblings."

Surrogacy agencies told BI that concurrent surrogacy journeys are not uncommon, with some saying it's a rising trend in a growing industry that was valued at $14 billion in 2022 by Global Market Insights and has attracted the investments of private equity firms.

All kinds of people — couples or singles, straight or gay, young or old — have opted to build out their family two at a time via concurrent surrogacy. But there is one thing that most parents of twiblings have in common: the ability to afford them.

While Houghton hired surrogates abroad, couples who choose to go through US-based agencies can easily spend $300,000 to half a million dollars or more on concurrent surrogates, according to five surrogacy agencies that spoke to BI.

"It is a luxury, absolutely," Brooke Kimbrough, cofounder and CEO of Roots Surrogacy, told BI. "Most American families don't have $200,000 in cash to go through surrogacy generally, and then $400,000-plus in cash to be able to go through that twice at the same time."

Still, the use of concurrent surrogates could grow as surrogacy generally grows in the US, in part because celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Chrissy Teigen have started opening up about using surrogates, as well as depictions in film and TV that have made the practice more mainstream. Teigen was even pregnant at the same time as her surrogate.

Surrogacy is also becoming increasingly relevant as more and more people are opting to have kids and start building their families later in life.

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend have opened up about using a surrogate. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit

Concurrent surrogacy can help build a family quickly

Concurrent journeys typically look like regular surrogacy journeys, just times two. Gestational surrogacy, when IVF is used to place a fertilized embryo into a surrogate, is the most common form of surrogacy in the US today. Parents can use their own egg and sperm or that of donors.

Like many gay couples, Houghton and his husband each used their sperm for one of the babies, as well as the same egg donor, so their sons are technically half brothers.

While there has been increased awareness around what some call "social surrogacy" — using a surrogate when it's not medically or biologically necessary — the majority of people who conceive via surrogacy do so because they have to.

"Typically, when people come to us, they've been through a lot. This is not their plan A, it's often not plan B, maybe it's plan C," Kim Bergman, a psychologist and senior partner at Growing Generations, told BI. "They've had a lot of disappointment, and they've had a lot of trials and tribulations."

Many hopeful parents are in their 40s and are simply eager to build their families, the agencies said. A surrogacy journey can easily take one and a half to two years, so for intended parents who know they want multiple kids, concurrent surrogates can be appealing.

Certainly, some people who opt for concurrent surrogates do not fit the definition of medically necessary, at least according to the standards laid out by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

Some people have mental health reasons or a fear of giving birth. Others are actors or brain surgeons who spend 12 hours a day on their feet and who can't get pregnant and continue to do their jobs. All the surrogacy agencies BI spoke with said it's essentially never the case that someone opts for surrogacy simply for vanity reasons.

David Sher, founder and CEO of Elite IVF, told BI they've helped coordinate surrogates for celebrities, politicians, and people in demanding careers like finance or tech. He said he currently has a client who serves on the cabinet of a Western country and is trying to have a baby via surrogate in part due to her demanding schedule.

Sher said he thinks concurrent surrogacy has long been an option for intended parents but that there does seem to be an uptick in people who are opting to do it.

Part of the reason for that could be because fewer and fewer agencies are willing to do double embryo transfers, which were previously more common and could result in a twin pregnancy. The ASRM recommends against them, as twin pregnancies come with heightened risks for both the surrogate and the babies. So concurrent surrogacy is a safer option for intended parents who want to have two kids at the same time or in close succession.

Costly and complicated

Though it's viewed as a safer option, concurrent surrogacy is controversial. The ASRM guidelines actually recommend against concurrent surrogacy, as well as against social, or not medically necessary, surrogacy. But all five surrogacy agencies that BI spoke to will facilitate concurrent surrogacies.

The agencies said they've seen many concurrent surrogacy journeys be successful and that a lot of care and prior planning goes into making them happen.

"It's not taken lightly," Bergman said, adding that concurrent journeys are rarely chosen by 30-year-olds who have plenty of time to build their families, though that does occasionally happen.

Surrogacy, in general, is expensive — commonly ranging from $150,000 to $250,000 for one child. The costs go toward surrogate compensation, agency fees, legal fees for contracts, and clinical bills.

The agencies BI spoke with said a concurrent surrogacy journey would essentially cost twice that. Meaning there's no two-for-one special.

But cost isn't the only factor to consider. Perhaps the primary drawback to pursuing concurrent surrogacy (that is, besides the high price tag) is the logistics of it.

All the agencies emphasized that concurrent surrogacy should only be pursued with full transparency and the fully informed consent of every person involved. That means matching intended parents to surrogates who are fully aware and OK with the fact that they will not be the only surrogate.

Gestational surrogacy, in which a fertilized embryo is implanted in a surrogate, is most common in the US. Jay L. Clendenin/for The Washington Post/Getty Images

There's also tons of planning and talking through hypotheticals. Are the surrogates based in the same area? Can the parents attend both births? Are we staggering expected delivery times enough? What's the plan if one surrogate gets pregnant on the first try but the other doesn't?

There's also a psychological aspect. Will both surrogates feel fully supported? How will one feel if she doesn't get pregnant right away and the other does?

"All of these conversations are front-loaded. Anytime in the conversation, the surrogate can say, 'I'm not comfortable doing this,'" Bergman said, adding that sometimes, after thinking through the logistics, some parents will change their minds and plan to space the deliveries out further than they initially wanted, like to six or nine months.

Most agencies recommended staggering the planned deliveries by at least three months. But at the end of the day, parents need to be ready for the timeline to not go exactly as planned.

Houghton and his husband had actually planned to have their babies six weeks apart, but when one of the babies was born five weeks premature, they ended up with birthdays one week apart.

Concurrent surrogacy may not be for everyone — even if you can afford it

Although the cost of concurrent surrogacy makes it prohibitive for most people, that could change in the future as more and more companies expand their fertility benefits.

There are also more nonprofits popping up that will provide grants or partial funds to people who want to build their families via surrogacy but may not have the means to.

Jarret Zafran, founder and executive director at Brownstone Surrogacy, told BI that it's not necessarily only the ultrawealthy who pursue concurrent surrogacy. He said he currently has clients who are lifelong educators on the older side who are getting ready to start the surrogacy process. They recently asked about what it would look like for them to do a concurrent journey.

"I guess it is still a luxury in the sense that most Americans would not even be in a financial position to afford it the first time," Zafran, who also had a child with his husband through surrogacy, said. "But for them, this is not a frivolous decision, and they're scraping together every single little penny that they have, all of their savings, their retirement funds, and I get it."

By using surrogates abroad over a decade ago, Houghton and his husband, who are based in Spain, spent much less on their concurrent surrogates than they would have in the US. But he's still not totally sure why they chose to do concurrent journeys rather than space the children out a bit more.

"We just liked the idea of having two kids that were about the same age that would sort of grow up together," he said, adding, "I didn't realize at the time the challenges that would come with having two kids."

In reality, he said having the two boys grow up so close together in age, not twins but in the same class in school, ended up leading to a lot of conflict and constant competition as they were growing up. He said it has gotten better now that the boys are facing their teen years and developing their own identities.

Still, if he could do it over again, he thinks he would stagger them more.

"They're unbelievable young men, and I'm so proud of everything about them," he said. "But having the two together has been a challenge."

Have a news tip or a story to share about concurrent surrogacy? Contact this reporter at kvlamis@businessinsider.com.

If a brain surgeon or politician can't do their job while pregnant have they thought about how kids in general will impact their job? What if their kid wakes them up the night before surgery because they got of had a nightmare? Are they counting on a reliable spouse or a nanny to take care to the unpleasant parts of parenting.

Finally at the very end of the article they address how being born so close together impacts kids. We're they really surprised that there was a lot of competition? And they article just touched on how one of the twins was born 5 weeks premature. That means at one week old the dudes in charge of its care were focused on its twibling. Considering that surrogacy pregnancies are more likely to have complications do the parents consider how they will care for one baby while another baby is in the hospital longer than expected?

[spaghett-onaplate]

oh yeah i went to a uni open day and allergies decided to pummel me in a rather quiet room with over a hundred other people during a law course presentation when i had ONE tissue that had previously been a bookmark. i only sneezed four times but my right eye and nostril could NOT stop watering i gave in and used my sleeve and it got absolutely soaked in snot 😭😭

[wunderlandgroup]

10 QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK DURING YOUR NEXT MARKETING INTERVIEW

Marketing jobs are only getting more competitive and standing out is becoming harder than ever. You’ve got the resume and the interview, but what is one simple way to stand out from your competition: ask the right questions. 

While it can be intimidating to flip the script and ask the interviewer questions, it’s important because finding a job is a two-way street. In order to have success, you need to ensure that you’ll gel with the team, be challenged and fit in culturally.  Now’s your chance to learn about the people you’d be working with, management style and your role (the job description may not have outlined everything!) Just as you would answer interview questions, stay positive in your questions to the hiring manager. Ask 3-5 questions, depending on time and tailor them based on the research and information on the role available.

What type of person succeeds here?

What are the current goals of the company and how does this position fit in?

If I were offered the position, what could I do to be considered a stellar performer and to exceed your expectations?

How would you measure success for this role?

If I started tomorrow, what would my top two priorities be?

What is the biggest challenge someone will face in this job in the first six months?

What are the top three qualities you are looking for in the person you hire to join this company?

What would a typical day look like for this role?

What sort of management style would you say you have?

What’s your preferred style off communicating with staff?

Notice that this list DOESN’T INCLUDE any questions about pay, benefits, background checks or promotions. Focus on this role and exuding a positive attitude on what you can bring to this role, not what you’d get out of working for the company. It is important to listen when the interviewer is speaking. You want to avoid asking one of these questions if it has already been addressed in the interview! For more information or resources, check out OUR WEBSITE or LINKEDIN PAGE. And as always, use a recruiter when necessary! Good luck!

[fenokami]

Publishing Post: One year in my new role

It's been a while, but I'm back! It's been well over a year since I started my new marketing role, so I thought I'd let you know how it's been going. #WorkinPublishing #JobsinBooks

Hi, hello, bore da, it’s been a while since I’ve written about my place in the whole publishing industry; but I thought since it’s been a whole year since I started working for a publishing house in Bristol I better let you know how I’ve been doing. When I started looking for my new role I knew that I wanted to do something a bit different, I wanted to move away from a traditional publishing…

[lloydbba]

Discover the best-paying BBA specializations in this blog, highlighting salary ranges, job roles, and top companies. We simplify your decision-making by exploring high-demand fields like Finance, Business Analytics, and Marketing, offering insights into which paths offer the highest earning potential and best career prospects. Whether you're looking to work for a major corporation or advance quickly in your field, this guide will help you choose a specialization that aligns with your financial and professional goals.

[efoxinstitute]

[prosearchgroup]

The Role of Experienced Professionals In Fintech

In the rapidly evolving landscape of financial technology, the importance of experienced professionals cannot be overstated. These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge, practical skills, and strategic insight that are crucial for navigating the complexities of the fintech sector. Their real-world experience enables them to drive innovation, ensure compliance, and deliver superior value to clients.

Who Are These Professionals?

Professionals with real-world experience in fintech are a diverse group, each bringing unique skills and expertise to the table. They range from software developers and data scientists to financial analysts and regulatory compliance experts. What unites them is their ability to leverage their deep understanding of both technology and finance to create cutting-edge solutions.

For example, fintech developers possess advanced programming skills and a keen understanding of financial systems. They are adept at creating secure and efficient platforms that handle large volumes of transactions. Financial analysts, on the other hand, use their knowledge of market trends and economic indicators to provide strategic insights that inform business decisions. Compliance experts ensure that fintech solutions adhere to regulatory standards, mitigating legal risks and fostering trust among users.

Case Studies

Real-world examples illustrate the transformative impact of experienced professionals in fintech. Consider a fintech startup that developed a revolutionary mobile banking app. The project was led by a team of seasoned developers who had previously worked on large-scale banking systems. Their expertise ensured the app was not only user-friendly but also robust and secure, leading to rapid adoption and high user satisfaction.

Another case involves a major financial institution that sought to integrate blockchain technology into its operations. The initiative was spearheaded by a blockchain expert with extensive industry experience. Her insights into the nuances of blockchain implementation helped the institution streamline its processes, enhance transparency, and reduce operational costs.

Testimonials

Clients consistently highlight the benefits of working with experienced fintech professionals. A mid-sized enterprise that partnered with a team of fintech consultants reported significant improvements in its financial operations. The consultants’ ability to tailor solutions to the company's specific needs resulted in increased efficiency and reduced costs. Similarly, a fintech startup that collaborated with seasoned industry veterans credited their success to the strategic guidance and technical expertise provided by these professionals.

In summary, professionals with real-world experience in fintech play a pivotal role in driving the industry forward. Their diverse skill sets, coupled with their practical knowledge, enable them to deliver innovative solutions that meet the complex demands of the modern financial landscape. As the fintech sector continues to evolve, the value of these experienced professionals will only become more pronounced, making them indispensable to clients seeking to navigate this dynamic field.

[talismatic-jobmarket]

Job market insights from tools like Talismatic greatly help in impacting workforce planning and strategy to achieve this goal. Once companies optimize this, they can gain a competitive edge in the ever-changing job market.

[propellum]

To integrate a job wrapping tool into a job board system, there are a few challenges that the team must overcome.

[mentorshelly]

How to Increase Your Pay Through Effective Salary Negotiations

Negotiating salary can be a daunting task for many job seekers, but it is an essential part of the job search process. Salary negotiation is an opportunity for you to advocate for your worth and ensure that you are being paid fairly for your skills and experience. In this blog post, I will provide three recommendations to increase your success with salary negotiations after an interview. I just…

[parvathytransorze]

What skills are essential for success in a medical scribing course, and how do they bring success via logistic management?

Individuals interested in the fields of transportation and supply chain management might benefit greatly from taking shipping and logistics management courses. An outline of what to anticipate from a course like this is provided below:

Introduction to Shipping and Logistics: An introduction to the ideas and principles of shipping and logistics management usually occurs at the start of a course. An outline of the supply chain, different forms of transportation, and the function of logistics in company operations are all included in this.

Transportation Modes: You'll learn about different transportation modes used in logistics, including:

Maritime shipping

Air freight

Rail transportation

Trucking and road transportation

Multimodal transportation

Logistics Operations and Processes: Courses cover the various aspects of logistics operations, such as:

Inventory management

Warehousing and distribution

Order processing and fulfillment

Transportation planning and scheduling

Freight forwarding and brokerage

Supply Chain Management: You'll gain an understanding of supply chain management principles and practices, including:

Supplier management

Demand forecasting

Inventory optimization

Lean and just-in-time (JIT) principles

Risk management in the supply chain

International Trade and Customs Compliance:Topics include international trade, customs laws, and the documentation needed to import and export commodities across international boundaries may be covered in courses.

Logistics Technology and Systems: You'll learn about the use of technology and software systems in logistics management, such as:

Transportation management systems (TMS)

Warehouse management systems (WMS)

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems

Track and trace systems

Electronic data interchange (EDI)

Sustainability and Green Logistics: The ideas of sustainability and eco-friendly logistics techniques, such as carbon footprint reduction, green transportation programs, and sustainable packaging options, may be covered in some courses.

Supply Chain Analytics and Optimization: To increase productivity and cut expenses in logistics operations, you could get training in data-driven decision-making, supply chain analytics, and optimization approaches.

Case Studies and Industry Insights: Courses often include real-world case studies, industry examples, and guest lectures from professionals in the field to provide practical insights and perspectives.

Professional Skills Development: Depending on the course, you may receive training in professional skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and project management, which are essential for success in logistics management roles.

When selecting a shipping and logistics management school, seek for those that are associated with respectable universities or accredited by pertinent industry associations. In addition, take into account elements like the length of the course, the mode of delivery (online, in-person), the industry contacts, faculty knowledge, and chances for internships or real-world experience.

Upon completion of a shipping and logistics management course, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue various career opportunities in logistics, supply chain management, transportation, warehousing, and related fields.