Economic growth came in pretty strong for the fourth quarter. GDP rose at an annual rate of 2.3%. And consumer spending rose 4.2%.

Stability reigns. The economy has about 7 million more jobs than before COVID hit, and both quits and layoffs are low.

Leaders need to develop a safety net that will help displaced workers find good jobs, says senior economics contributor Chris Farrell.

Labor shortages may fuel inflation and hurt construction and food service. Some U.S.-born workers, along with the detention industry, may gain.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the most growth in health care and technology occupations over the next 10 years. But the projections aren’t iron-clad.

At 55, Michelle McKenney Jones retired from a 31-year career in corporate human resources and is pursuing her passion for higher education.

Fewer workers may be needed in stores as online shopping and automation make gains. Retail jobs have fallen as a result.

Hourly earnings have hovered at 4% annually. That’s not an inflation threat, but some workers say their income can’t keep up with their costs.

“Secular” sectors like health care and education, which are less economically sensitive, have been responsible for a lot of hiring.

While layoffs have been low over the last few months, the uptick signals that the labor market may be starting to lose momentum.