This podcast episode delves into the evolving landscape of job compensation, highlighting the stark pay disparities for new hires amidst a cooling job market. Expert insights from Vanessa Fuhrmans reveal that fewer job switchers are securing pay raises, while companies adjust their pay strategies with a focus on geographic arbitrage and caution in merit raises, particularly affecting the finance sector the most. As negotiation efforts dwindle due to unfavorable conditions, the discussion raises the prospect that stagnant pay may paradoxically foster workforce retention instead of prompting competitive job-hopping.