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Happy Sunday, pals!

Q: What's the difference between a recruiter and a dating app?
A: Nothing - they both ghost you after saying "I think you're a perfect match!"

Let’s talk about what talent platforms, recruiters, and dating apps have in common: matchmaking.

In today’s issue

• ⚡️ Lightning List - What I’m reading this week

• 🐝 You have a new match - What dating trends teach us about the future of work

• ⭐️ Community Spotlight - What Diverse Talent Want

• 💰️ Sponsor - Goody

⚡️ Lightning List ⚡️ 

🐝 Bumble’s 2025 Predictions

What Dating Apps are telling us about the Future of Work

Did you know that the p0rn industry shaped how we stream videos and make online payments? (If you missed that newsletter, go read it now, I'll wait). The point is, behavioral trends in seemingly unrelated industries can teach us a lot about where work is heading.

This week, let's get 🌶️ and look at what dating apps are telling us about the future of work. Bumble just dropped their 2025 dating trends report, and honestly? It's a goldmine of workplace predictions hiding in plain sight.

🤝 Authenticity Over Perfection

Just as daters are embracing "DWM" (Date With Me) content that shows the highs and lows of dating, the workplace is shifting toward radical transparency. The days of polished corporate facades are numbered. Workers, like modern daters, crave authentic experiences and honest communication. The LinkedIn hustle-porn posts are being replaced by honest stories about failure, burnout, and yes, even salary numbers. Finally.

👥 Micro-Communities Having a Moment

Bumble's research shows that 46% of singles say unique interests are key to attraction, with micro-communities like book clubs and run clubs gaining prominence. Similarly, the future workplace isn't about broad professional networks – it's about niche communities of practice. The rise of specialized Slack channels, Discord servers, and professional guilds shows that meaningful connections often start with shared interests, not just shared job titles.

🎯 Future-Proofing is the New DTR

95% of singles say future uncertainty impacts their dating choices. Sound familiar? The same anxieties about finances, stability, and global changes are reshaping work relationships. Just as daters want partners who bring emotional stability, workers seek employers who offer BOTH security and growth. The trend of "future-proofing" relationships is pushing earlier, more transparent discussions about expectations and long-term goals in both dating and work contexts.

🔄 Throwing Out the Timeline

Dating timelines are becoming more fluid, with 64% of women getting clear about what they want and refusing to settle. This mirrors the workplace's move away from rigid career ladders and traditional employment models. The future of work, like modern dating, is about finding the right fit on your own terms.

💫 It's the Little Things

86% of singles say showing affection now includes sharing memes and playlists. Workplace connection is following suit. Forget the grand corporate initiatives - culture is built in Slack reactions and team inside jokes. The future of work is less about quarterly all-hands and more about daily micro-interactions that actually mean something.

🎭 Identity Crisis Who?

Just as dating apps are seeing pushback against tired archetypes and stereotypes, the workplace is evolving beyond traditional role definitions. The future workplace needs to allow for more nuanced expressions of leadership and success. We're finally moving past "girlboss" energy and toxic hustle culture toward something more... human.

TLDR?

Whether you're swiping for love or work, the future is more authentic, community-focused, and flexible. Success depends on being real, finding your tribe, and adapting to change. Maybe the best career advice isn't on LinkedIn - it's hiding in your dating app.

⭐️ Community Spotlight ⭐️ 

PowerToFly's "What Diverse Talent Wants" annual survey is integral to shaping the future of work, but they need your voice to guide toward building more inclusive and equitable workplaces where everyone can thrive 💪✨ 

Completing this survey only takes 10–15 minutes, it's completely anonymous, and you might even win prizes like:
🎯 A free resume review with a career expert
📊 Access to SkillMeter, our career catalyst tool
📚 A professional development book 👉 c

This week’s sponsor is…

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That’s all for now, pals. See ya next week.

Eryn