Making Work Matter: Finding Meaning in a Volatile Workplace
Note: This article is part of my examination of IMPACT within the SHIFT model. In our SHIFT courses, we explore each element at both the macro (systems) level and micro (individual leader) level. What If Gen Z Has It Right About Work? focused on organizational impact; today we examine personal impact.
The world of work has changed—again. Layoffs, restructuring, and AI-driven shifts make it harder than ever to feel secure, let alone fulfilled. The old promise—work hard, stay loyal, and you'll be rewarded—has officially unraveled.
So where does that leave you?
If you're feeling untethered, questioning whether your work still matters, or wondering how to navigate instability without losing yourself in the process—you're not alone.
But there's a way forward, and it starts with redefining what you control in the midst of uncertainty.
Meaning is Your Best Strategy in Times of Chaos
Purpose isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a proven strategy for navigating volatility.
Research consistently shows that people who find meaning in their work:
Adapt more quickly to change
Recover faster from setbacks
Experience less stress and burnout
Make better decisions under pressure
Organizations with highly engaged employees—which often correlates with a strong sense of purpose—outperform their peers during economic downturns. These companies see higher earnings and faster recovery from financial challenges.
This isn't abstract theory—it's about building real psychological resilience in unpredictable times.
Your Zone of Impact
In an unpredictable work environment, your job title or company may change—but your impact is still yours.
This Zone of Impact is the space where three key elements overlap:
Your skills – What you're naturally good at
Your experience – The knowledge you've gained
Your values – What truly matters to you
This zone isn't tied to a specific job or industry—it moves with you.
I recently worked with a senior executive navigating a career transition after years in a high-growth tech environment. Rather than chasing a similar role, we mapped her Zone of Impact—the intersection of her problem-solving strengths, industry expertise, and commitment to fostering alignment in complex situations.
This clarity helped her see possibilities beyond a traditional path, whether leading transformation in a mission-driven organization or serving as a strategic connector across industries. She now has a framework to evaluate opportunities that align with her skills, experience, and values—ensuring her impact moves with her, regardless of role.
What You Can Do Today
If work feels unsteady, or you're questioning what's next, consider these practical starting points:
Map Your Zone of Impact. Identify your strongest skills, unique knowledge, and core values. Where do they intersect?
Expand Your Definition of Work. Meaning doesn't have to come solely from your job—consider side projects, mentoring, or creative pursuits that tap into your values.
Reframe Change as an Opening. Instead of seeing uncertainty as a threat, ask: What possibilities does this create?
The Volatility Advantage
It's tempting to think of meaning as something you'll find after the chaos settles. But instability itself can be a catalyst for purpose.
Disruption forces clarity. It pushes you to let go of roles and expectations that no longer fit. It challenges you to ask, "What kind of work actually matters to me?"
And that question—answered honestly—is the key to not just surviving, but developing in whatever comes next.
Because in a workplace where everything feels temporary, your sense of purpose may be the most durable asset you have.
And it's yours to define.