Escape and Empower Podcast with Pete Gilfillan and Dave Greenberg

In this episode, Pete and Dave expose one of the biggest hidden problems in today’s job market: ghost jobs. These roles look real on job boards but were never meant to be filled. With companies posting openings despite hiring freezes, budget cuts, or internal placements, executives are unknowingly spending months chasing opportunities that don’t exist.

Pete and Dave break down why ghost postings are skyrocketing, how they mislead senior-level professionals, and why the illusion of opportunity keeps talented executives stuck in long, draining job searches. They also explain why ownership provides the stability, control, and financial path that corporate life no longer guarantees.

In this episode, Pete and Dave discuss:

• The Illusion of Opportunity

Executives think there are plenty of roles available because job boards look full. In reality, senior-level hires have dropped sharply while fake postings remain live.

• Ghost Jobs and Corporate Instability

Companies keep job listings active during hiring freezes to look healthy to investors, build a candidate pipeline, or maintain employer branding.

• Why Executives Are Hit the Hardest

Six-figure roles are often the most likely to be “ghost openings,” leaving experienced leaders wasting months applying for positions that were never real.

• The Impact of AI and Restructuring

AI and automation are replacing analyst, manager, and even director roles—quietly shrinking the leadership layers executives once relied on for advancement.

• Longer Job Searches and Lost Runway

Many executives now face 6–12 months of job searching. Every month spent chasing ghost jobs burns savings and delays building something of their own.

• The Need for a Parallel Path

Relying solely on W-2 opportunities is riskier than ever. Executives need a second path—one that puts them back in control of their income and future.

• Why Franchise Ownership Is Not a Ghost Opportunity

Real businesses with real demand, real systems, and real financial upside. Essential service categories like home services, wellness, auto care, and restoration offer stability no job board can match.

Key Takeaways

• Job boards are full, but real executive hiring is shrinking.
• Ghost postings exist to make companies look stable—even when they aren’t.
• Senior executives are losing time, losing money, and losing control chasing roles that don’t exist.
• AI and restructuring are accelerating the decline of leadership positions.
• Taking a parallel path into ownership provides clarity, control, and long-term security.

“Hope is not a strategy.” — Pete Gilfillan

CONNECT WITH PETER GILFILLAN

Meet with Pete: https://go.hireyourself.com/gilfillan?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR
Website: https://www.hireyourself.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petegilfillan/

CONNECT WITH DAVID GREENBERG

Meet with Dave: https://calendly.com/empoweredfranchisee/virtual-coffee-with-dave-the-empowered-franchiee-web?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR
Website: https://empoweredfranchisee.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-greenberg-entrepreneur/