Job Uncertainty: Wisdom for Navigating Shaky Ground

When your job feels like it's on shaky ground, what's your next move? With market unpredictability, lingering post-pandemic shifts, and a general sense of unease in many workplaces, this question couldn't be more timely. Whether you've heard restructuring rumors, noticed leadership going quiet, or just have that gut feeling something's off, here is practical wisdom from our VOCA senior team: 

1. Focus on What You Can Control

Obsessing over “what-ifs” can quickly spiral into anxiety that serves no one. Instead, redirect your energy toward what you can influence:

• Your performance

• Your skill development

• Your mindset

• Your network

Rather than overanalyzing body language or panicking over leadership's silence, show up, do your best work, and prepare both to stay and to pivot if needed. As we often say at VOCA, "If you know all the facts, decisions become easy." But until then, keep your participation strong and your attitude positive. Resist the urge to constantly seek reassurance from your boss—that kind of spiraling rarely helps and can actually undermine your position.

2. Nurture Your Network Before You Need It

Your network is one of your greatest assets—but it's most helpful when it's already warm. Don't wait until you're desperate to reach out. Instead:

• Set up casual virtual coffees with peers or people in roles you admire

• Ask questions about their company culture or how they transitioned into their role

• Keep interactions light, curious, and generous—not panicked or needy

Being a celebrator of others in your network, not just a taker, goes a long way. This approach aligns with biblical wisdom about community and relationships. Support others, and they're likely to support you when the time comes.

3. Community, Courage, and Clarity: Lessons from Queen Esther

Queen Esther's story highlights three powerful principles:

• Community: "Two are better than one... for if they fall, one will lift up his fellow" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Don't go through this alone. Talk with mentors, peers, or even a small prayer group.

• Clarity through Faith: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously" (James 1:5). Take time to pray, reflect, or journal. Get grounded and listen for wisdom, not just noise.

• Courageous Action: "For if you keep silent at this time... you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14). This might mean taking on a tough project, having a direct (but wise) conversation with leadership, or even preparing to leave if that's what's called for.

For some, courage may look like loyalty—but for others, it might be recognizing that it's time to explore something new. The way out is through, not around.

4. Verify Your Reality

Not all feelings of insecurity mean your job is actually in jeopardy, and not all optimism means you're safe. Look for real, factual signs:

• Is your business unit profitable?

• Are you in a new department that hasn't proven itself yet?

• Is there public data about your nonprofit's declining revenues?

You don't need to become an investigative journalist, but pay attention. The Proverbs remind us that "the prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it" (Proverbs 22:3).

And if you've been neglecting relationships or letting your network grow cold, now is the time to reconnect. "You don't flip a switch and run a marathon. You train." The same goes for nurturing your network and building trust over time.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're feeling a little anxious or genuinely at risk of a layoff, remember:

• You have more agency than you think.

• Panic is rarely helpful.

• Proactive curiosity, connection, and character can make all the difference.

• Your work matters to God, regardless of your current circumstances.

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Start now. Start small. Start with what you have.

And if you're considering coaching support during a time like this, our VOCA team has walked alongside hundreds of professionals facing similar uncertainties, and we'd be honored to help you discern your next steps.

Visit vocacenter.org/consult to learn more and schedule a conversation with our team.