How Can You Find Purpose In Your Work, In A World That Feels Unpredictable?

Finding purpose at work in an unpredictable world.

I’m drawn to research. I think it’s because I’ve never quite satisfied the student in me. The fact that my job is made a little better by new insight, tools and techniques means that there is always value in reading the next report or book that shares new perspectives. Sometimes it’s an academic research paper, and sometimes it’s a survey; either way, it links to something important for me in my work. Two of my values are knowledge and personal development and feeling like I’m living and working towards them helps my general career wellbeing. Today, I want to talk about how you can find purpose in your work in a world that feels unpredictable.

This isn’t the first time I’ve written about purpose at work. It won’t pass me by, that one of the first articles on this topic was me highlighting that work DOESN’T always have to be the place you pin your purpose. And I still stand by that for lots of people! However, for today, I want to discuss the direct link between your well-being and the feeling that your work has meaning.

Work is evolving. There is no doubt about that. We are clearly and firmly in the next industrial age, with the rapid development of AI. This is, and will remain to be, an ongoing conversation; some clients are rapidly developing their skills in this area, whilst others are concerned about both the impact of the job markets and that of the environment. What we can say, undoubtedly, is that technological advancements are here to stay. As discussed recently in “How can I future-proof my career against AI”, wherever you land on the spectrum of AI adoption, critical thinking, interpersonal skills and creative abilities will be seen as a premium.

With that in mind, how can we find purpose at work in a world that feels unpredictable?

Three surveys were released at the end of 2025, which very much highlighted the “state of the nation”. Deloitte’s Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey, PwC’s Global Workforce Hopes & Fears Survey 2025 and CIPD & Simply Health’s Health and Wellbeing at Work (Sept 2025). Through these, we saw lots of reflection on work, wellbeing, mental health and generational differences and similarities around views on skills development and culture.

Across all three reports, there are clear trends. Meaningful work, or more importantly, feeling like your work is meaningful, is linked to improved motivation.

What is really interesting, however, is that there isn’t necessarily a consensus on what meaningful work is. However, some themes recur.

There are slight generational differences (we are talking single-figure % here) around the importance of meaningful work; however, for all surveys, it’s key point.

Financial well-being is (unsurprisingly) is a massive part of happiness at work, but it’s not the key driver. The intersection of being supported in your wellbeing (mental health, stress levels, financial, life transition support, amongst others) and meaning in work, is what has been found to lead to higher rates of happiness at work.

And don’t we all want to have a career to enjoy, not endure?

People want:

Work that aligns with their values (uncover your values here).
A match between organisational and personal values.
A role that is a key part of their identity.
New skills development.
To make an impact on society.
The time to engage in hobbies.
Organisations that are eco-aware.

But for all (and this is clear among all my coaching clients), they want a career that provides work-life balance. They could have all the above, but a role that takes all their energy and time simply isn’t worth it.

So, what does this mean for you?

Start by asking yourself what your “non-negotiables are.” Based on the list above, can you answer “Yes” to each of these areas in your work? If so, how can you ensure that these remain part of your career path?

If you answer no, that is when the discussions need to start and make it quick!

As always, start with your values, and ask yourself, “How would I like these show up in my work?” You can use these as a “jumping off” point; from a conversation with your manager about personal development, a new approach if you are an entrepreneur or a tweak to your CV to start your job search.

The thing to remember when life feels unpredictable is to hold fast to what you know. Work that feels meaningful can be built and created and gives us energy and drive when other aspects may feel out of control.

Isn’t that the point after all, to create a career to enjoy not endure? I’d love to know your thoughts.

Clara Wilcox is a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective has a social mission, focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.
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