December 3, 2025
Work is such a massive part of life. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 60% of the world’s population is engaged in some kind of work—that’s a vast, shared life experience!
For many of us, our professional life isn’t just about a paycheck–it’s deeply tied to our sense of purpose, our daily structure, and our hopes for the future. But let’s be honest! Right now, the world of work feels complicated. We’re living through a time of rapid, sometimes unsettling, change. The job market is a truly dynamic landscape, presenting a mix of challenges and surprising opportunities. You might see news of layoffs in one industry, while another sector is desperately seeking talent, especially in areas touched by new technology. This turbulence can leave you feeling confused, anxious, or just plain lost.
The Ground is Shifting—And That’s Okay
The old rules about work are constantly being rewritten. Many employers are moving away from the traditional checklist of college degrees, specific past jobs, or fields of study. Instead, they increasingly focus on something much more immediate: your proficiency in the particular skills they need right now.
This shift means that the talent required for many evolving roles isn’t readily available, leaving employers scrambling to adapt. It also means you might feel unsure about which skills to focus on, which roles to apply for, or even whether your current path is secure. It’s a lot to process!
Meanwhile, your own expectations about work have likely changed, too. Today, workers are prioritizing things like stability, flexibility, and real opportunities for growth and leadership. We’ve all recognized that when work truly matters to us—when it aligns with our deep-seated values—it brings a sense of meaning, identity, and personal fulfillment that money alone can’t buy.
Work’s value is multifaceted. It offers financial security, yes, but it also provides the intrinsic rewards of purpose, self-esteem, and social connections. It helps us develop responsibility and endurance. It’s a huge contributor to society and to our personal legacy.
The Heart of the Matter: Your Work Values
At the core of all this change and striving are your work values. Think of your work values as your inner compass for your professional life. They are the beliefs, principles, or features of a job or work environment that you hold most dear. They describe what truly matters to you in your career.
For one person, it might be the sense of achievement they get from mastering a challenging task. For another, it might be a healthy work-life balance that allows them time for family and personal interests. For someone else, it might be the autonomy to make key decisions.
These values aren’t set in stone; they can shift as you change jobs or careers. But when you ignore them—when your daily work clashes with what you value most—it can profoundly impact your mental and emotional health. Your workplace values are a profound statement about who you are, and honoring them is crucial for your overall health and well-being.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
If any of this resonates with you—the uncertainty, the search for meaning, the stress of a changing market, or the feeling that your current job is draining your spirit—we want you to know that a gentle, supportive space is available. Trying to navigate these complex questions alone can lead to isolation and stress. That’s why we are offering a small, confidential group therapy opportunity specifically focused on your career and work-life.
Tracing Your Steps is not a resume writing class or a networking event. It is a dedicated therapeutic space where we explore the emotional weight of work. We focus on how your career affects your mental health, how to manage the uncertainty, and how to define a path that truly feels like yours. When you join this group, you are entering a warm, non-judgmental community led by a compassionate and experienced therapist. Over the course of eight weeks, we will work toward specific, impactful goals designed to bring you clarity and calm.
I invite you to learn more about our upcoming group, beginning in January, by visiting this link or reaching out to me via email at kcross@andersonville.com. I hope you will join us!