Jeff Bezos Enforces 5-Day RTO Policy At Washington Post Effective February 2025: 'Come To Work Or Resign'

Jeff Bezos has implemented a 5-day in-office work policy for Washington Post employees, effective February 2025, while Ford Europe prepares to downsize its workforce. Also, discover a unique "collection" that could be worth as much as $400,000 in today's Money Making Moves: 

> The Washington Post, owned by Jeff Bezos, is ending its hybrid work model and requiring all employees to return to the office full-time by June, with resignations expected from those unwilling to comply. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from the Washington Post Guild, which labeled the policy "inflexible and outdated," arguing it could harm productivity rather than improve it. This mandate comes amid broader challenges, including a controversial neutrality stance during the recent presidential election that alienated readers and staff, leading to subscription cancellations and resignations. Financial troubles loom large, with the publication projected to lose $77 million this year, further straining the already tense relationship between management and employees.

> Bluesky has rapidly gained popularity since the recent presidential election, emerging as a competitor to Elon Musk’s X and Meta’s Threads. CEO Jay Graber emphasized that Bluesky’s open-source design makes it "billionaire proof," allowing users to retain their followers and move platforms easily, preventing corporate control like Musk’s acquisition of Twitter. With over 21 million users, Bluesky distinguishes itself by rejecting algorithmic ads and focusing on subscriptions and third-party developer services for monetization. Originally an internal Twitter project, Bluesky became independent in 2022, and recent funding of $15 million further supports its mission to create a transparent, user-controlled social network.

> Initial unemployment claims in the U.S. fell to a seven-month low last week, suggesting job growth is rebounding in November after being impacted by hurricanes and strikes in October. However, laid-off workers are taking longer to find new jobs, contributing to rising unemployment rolls, which could push the unemployment rate higher. The labor market's slowdown keeps open the possibility of another Federal Reserve interest rate cut in December. Despite challenges, rebuilding efforts and strike resolutions are expected to boost November payrolls, following October’s sharp job growth decline to just 12,000 new jobs.

Starting a home-based daycare is a unique business idea for stay-at-home parents looking to earn income while caring for their own children. With the surge in remote work, many parents need reliable childcare, making daycare services more in demand than ever. Operating from home keeps costs low and offers flexibility, allowing you to balance parenting with a steady income. The average yearly salary for this venture is $29,000, making it both practical and rewarding.

Currency collecting can be a surprisingly lucrative side hustle, as demonstrated by a man who discovered that a $5 bill he inherited from his grandmother was worth $400,000 due to a rare misprint. Misprinted currency, like bills with missing designs or reversed numbers, is highly sought after by collectors and can fetch staggering sums at auctions. This niche hobby requires a keen eye for details and a bit of research, but treasures can often be found in inherited collections, old wallets, or even pocket change. With stories like this gaining viral attention, currency collecting is proving to be more than a pastime—it’s a potential goldmine for those willing to dive into the world of rare banknotes.

> Scoring cheap flights requires smart timing and flexibility. For domestic trips, booking around 28 days before departure can save up to 24%, while international flights are best booked 60 days in advance. Flying during off-peak months like January, February, September, and October offers savings of up to 30%, with Monday through Wednesday being the cheapest days to fly. Tools like Google Flights and Hopper, along with rewards credit cards, can further enhance savings by tracking price trends and offering perks like free bags and travel credits. To find the best airline deals all year long, check here. 

> Ford plans to cut 800 UK jobs as part of a larger European restructuring effort targeting 4,000 positions by 2027, primarily affecting administrative, support, and product development roles. The move comes amid declining European EV sales, fierce competition from Chinese automakers, and consumer hesitancy toward electric vehicles. While key UK plants like Dagenham and Halewood will be spared, other sites, including the Dunton R&D center, could face reductions. The layoffs highlight broader challenges in the auto industry, with rising costs, sluggish EV demand, and stricter Zero Emission Vehicle mandates pressuring manufacturers across Europe.

> Warren Buffett chose not to repurchase Berkshire Hathaway shares in Q3 for the first time in six years, signaling the stock might be overvalued as it trades at 1.6 times its book value. Berkshire was a net seller of stocks during the quarter, unloading shares of Apple, Bank of America, and Ulta Beauty, while accumulating a $320 billion cash pile, mostly in short-term Treasury bills. Analysts suggest this cautious approach reflects Buffett's concerns about the economic outlook and an overvalued stock market, reinforced by the "Buffett Indicator" nearing record levels of 198.1%. Buffett appears poised to wait for better investment opportunities, avoiding risk in a market he considers "richly priced."