Quiet quitting, side hustles, and purpose-driven careers, why are we all questioning work right now?

Purpose isn’t about fitting into someone else’s mould; it’s about creating a life that feels true to you

‘Purpose’ is this elusive thing everyone seems to be chasing.

You know, the one that’s supposed to make your Monday mornings feel less... Monday.

Whether it’s about changing lives, building a legacy, or simply finding joy in the daily grind, meaningful work has become the new gold standard.

But what does it really mean, and how do we find it?

Here’s the truth: meaningful work isn’t one-size-fits-all.

For some, it’s about impact, teaching kids, saving the planet, or curing diseases. For others, it’s about alignment, working in a field that reflects their passions, values, and talents. And let’s not forget those who simply want to clock in, do a good job, and focus their energy elsewhere.

All of it is valid.

Yet, in a world obsessed with “finding your why,” the pressure to have it all figured out can feel overwhelming. Add to that the endless LinkedIn posts about passion projects and career pivots, and it’s no wonder so many of us are asking, Am I doing enough?

Purpose: A Moving Target

The numbers show we’re not alone in this search for meaning.

In the UK, 40% of workers report actively searching for roles that provide purpose, with Millennials and Gen Z leading this shift. The pandemic only furthered this trend, with 55% of employees re-evaluating their career priorities during that time.

But here’s the thing: the key to purpose isn’t a grand epiphany. It’s curiosity. Instead of hunting for the perfect job or a singular calling, explore the things that light you up, challenge you, or make you feel alive.

Quiet Quitting: A Quiet Rebellion

Enter quiet quitting, a buzzword that’s gained traction but reflects an age-old truth. It’s not about laziness. It’s about boundaries, self-preservation, and, often, a search for something deeper. It’s a quiet rebellion against hustle culture and the relentless pursuit of climbing ladders we didn’t even choose to climb.

By stepping back and refusing to overextend, you might be creating the space to ask some tough but necessary questions: Why am I doing this? What am I working toward? How does my work fit into the life I want to build?

I’ve been there.

The solution?

Stop chasing someone else’s idea of meaningful work. Whether it’s impact, alignment, or simply having the flexibility to focus on what matters most outside of work, the quest for purpose isn’t about finding it, it’s about creating it.

Because in the end, purpose isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s what you make of it.