What I'm Reading This Week
Big Ideas for 2025, $5.6M to Retire Early, and Google’s Gen Z Problem
Preparing for the future can feel daunting, especially with so much uncertainty—but staying informed is a powerful first step.
25 Big Ideas that will change our world in 2025
Each year, LinkedIn compiles a thought-provoking list of big ideas set to shape the coming year, and their 2025 edition is no exception. Packed with trends and predictions, it offers valuable insights to help you anticipate and navigate what lies ahead. Whether your focus is on career advancement, adapting to industry shifts, or personal growth, these insights are essential for staying ahead in a rapidly evolving world.
The integration of AI into our daily work routines has quickly become less of a novelty, and more of a cultural norm. Soon, it will become a necessity — something people will begin to expect from their tools at work — and spark a productivity revolution.
An ex-Meta employee calculated that his family of 3 needs $5.6 million to retire in San Francisco
A recent article from Business Insider highlights a millennial's calculation of needing $5.6 million to retire early in San Francisco, underscoring the importance of meticulous financial planning.
I would definitely max out every single tax-advantaged account that I could — the 410K, plus the after-tax, which is often called the mega backdoor Roth.
Achieving financial independence provides the freedom to pursue a career aligned with your passions rather than being driven solely by financial necessity. By diligently saving, investing wisely, and understanding your "enough number," you can design a career path that reflects your true interests and values.
Googling Is Officially for Old People.
The WSJ highlighted that younger generations are shifting to platforms like TikTok and Amazon, leaving Google scrambling to stay relevant. With AI-driven tools offering instant answers, Google’s traditional approach to search might be losing its shine.
If Google were a ship, it would be the Titanic in the hours before it struck an iceberg—riding high, supposedly unsinkable, and about to encounter a force of nature that could make its name synonymous with catastrophe.
For professionals and businesses, it’s a reminder to meet people where they are, whether that’s on a new platform or through more engaging, immediate content. Whether it’s your personal brand or your company’s strategy, the ability to pivot with changing behaviors will define success in the next decade.
About the Author
Justin Gillebo is a Senior Director and career consultant committed to empowering professionals to achieve their goals. Drawing on experience at Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks, and UPS, he helps early to mid-stage professionals navigate challenges, accelerate growth, and unlock their full potential. Learn more about his coaching services on MentorCruise.
He writes about career development, leadership, and industry insights on Substack. Connect with him for mentorship, speaking engagements, or to learn more about his unique journey from first-generation college student to industry leader.
Connect on LinkedIn or reach out at MentorCruise for personalized career coaching.