Introducing: What in the World

From The Documentary Podcast by BBC World Service

June 11, 2026 · 22 min

About this episode

The episode explores the trend of 'job hugging' in an unstable job market and discusses the concept of rejection therapy with insights from experts.

First, work feels more uncertain than it has in years. Layoffs, AI disruption, hiring freezes and a tough job market are leaving many people out of work or stuck. So instead of hopping jobs for better pay or new opportunities, more people are doing the opposite. They are staying put, even if they are unhappy. It is called “job hugging”. But is it a smart move in an unstable world, or could it hold you back in the long run? The BBC’s business reporter Emer Moreau takes us through the trend. Then later, we hear about Hannah's experience with rejection therapy - where you deliberately put yourself in situations where you might get rejected, to see if it can help with social anxiety. From asking strangers for favours to dancing on trains, people are documenting their experiences online. Supporters say it helps people build resilience, reduce anxiety and stop taking rejection personally. Claudia Hammond, a psychologist and BBC presenter, helps us unpack if it actually works. To hear more, search What in the World wherever you get your BBC podcasts.

People in this episode

Guests: Emer Moreau, Claudia Hammond

Topics covered

job market
job hugging
rejection therapy
social anxiety
resilience
AI disruption

Keywords

job hugging
layoffs
AI disruption
rejection therapy
social anxiety
resilience
BBC podcasts

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC, BBC World Service