In uncertain times, it’s natural to feel uneasy about the future, especially when it comes to work and financial security. Many people today find themselves facing a sense of instability in their jobs, even though economic indicators remain relatively strong. News of layoffs, hiring slowdowns, and shifting workplace expectations have left many wondering what the future holds. If you feel anxious about job security, you are not alone.
In times of economic uncertainty, our faith calls us to trust in God’s providence while also making prudent decisions. The economy has felt unstable for some time. “There was the euphoria of the Great Resignation, the post-pandemic era where workers had a lot of temporary power and did some job-hopping. That gave way to the confusing negativity of the vibecession, when Americans said the economy was terrible even though, on paper, it was good…Then we got to the Big Stay, where workers decided to stick to what they were doing, whether they were happy about it or not.” (Source: original article)
Now, as concerns grow, workers are feeling pressure to “cling to their desks, suck up to their boss, [and] be seen in the office.” (Source: original article) The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index fell in March, signaling growing anxiety about future employment. “The concerns about the future pushed the Conference Board’s expectations index to its lowest point in 12 years, below the level that tends to signal a recession.” (Source: original article) The University of Michigan reports that two-thirds of Americans expect unemployment to rise in the coming year. This fear cuts across all income levels, political beliefs, and age groups.
For Catholics, these uncertain times are a reminder of the dignity of work and our call to place our trust in God’s plan. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that “work honors the Creator’s gifts and the talents received from Him” (CCC 2427). Even as workers hesitate to seek new jobs, afraid of instability, we must remember that our worth is not in our job title but in our identity as children of God.
The labor market, while still showing strength on paper, is sending mixed signals. “Even if workers are still employed, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are happy in their jobs,” said Daniel Zhao, lead economist at Glassdoor. “Some of the commentary is from people talking about the ongoing effects of previous layoffs, expressing feelings of burnout because their workplaces are understaffed. Or, they’re worried that they’ll get swept up in the next round of cuts.” (Source: original article)
As Catholics, we can respond to this anxiety in three ways:
- Trust in Divine Providence – Christ reminds us in Matthew 6:26, “Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” While prudence is necessary, fear should not consume us.
- Live in Solidarity – Catholic social teaching calls us to care for one another. If you know someone struggling with job insecurity, offer them support—whether through prayer, networking help, or a listening ear.
- Be Good Stewards – St. Joseph, the patron saint of workers, teaches us the value of diligent labor. If the economy is uncertain, this is a time to steward our finances wisely, avoiding unnecessary debt and focusing on long-term security.
“Everybody hates uncertainty, whether you’re talking about executives down to front-line workers,” Zhao noted. (Source: original article) But our faith calls us to remain steadfast. The world may be filled with uncertainty, but our hope is in the Lord. By trusting in His plan, supporting one another, and making prudent choices, we can navigate these turbulent times with confidence, knowing that God remains in control.
