Tech bytes: LinkedIn adds career gap tool

Returning to the workforce after a career break is daunting, whether the gap was caused by a years-long interruption to raise kids, care for elderly parents or simply a Great Resignation respite. LinkedIn has added a tool that can help ease the concern some hiring managers have about career gaps.

In the Experience section of your LinkedIn profile, you can pick from several choices to explain gaps in your resume. Among the options: caregiving, bereavement, layoffs, professional development and volunteer work.

While many job seekers are uncomfortable drawing attention to resume gaps, LinkedIn says hiring managers are more likely to contact candidates who provide explanations about their career breaks.

Drowning in streaming choices 

Americans are streaming video at record levels, and many are paying for multiple services. A Nielsen study found that 82% of video streaming subscribers paid for more than one service, up from 65% in 2019. But Nielsen said the number of services “has become dizzying.” About 64% of subscribers said they wanted a platform that combined numerous services, like old-fashioned TV channels where they could pick what they wanted.

Waymo’s robotaxi rolls into SF 

For San Francisco-based employees of autonomous carmaker Waymo, their return to the office was different -- even before they got to the office. The company, owned by Google parent Alphabet, is taxiing workers in electric Jaguars with no human drivers. The commute is a test before Waymo rolls out autonomous rides throughout the city. Waymo already offers its robotaxi service to the public in the Phoenix area.

Thailand limits crypto uses 

Thailand will bar the use of cryptocurrencies for payments for goods and services, saying the wider use of digital assets threatens the nation's financial system and economy. The new regulation won't affect trading or investments in digital assets. Thailand's crackdown on digital assets comes as individuals — especially young investors — boost their crypto trading in search of better returns amid the country's economic slowdown. — BLOOMBERG NEWS