How to Define Your Values to Thrive in an Uncertain World
At 22, I walked away from Goldman Sachs to start a nonprofit. On paper, it looked reckless. I gave up a generous salary, prestige, and a career ladder that millions dream of.
At Goldman Sachs with NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo. I had prestige, but not purpose.
But the real risk was staying. My values of curiosity and ambition were not being met. Playing it safe felt hollow. Founding Venture for Canada was uncertain, but it gave me something money and status never could: alignment.
That is what values do. They turn uncertainty into direction. In times of upheaval, they are not abstract ideals. They are anchors. And when layoffs, AI disruption, or unexpected career pivots hit, your values are often the only thing that keep you steady.
Why Values Matter in Times of Change
Values are the principles that guide you beyond job titles and salaries. They give you purpose and clarity when the usual markers of success disappear.
In my book The Uncertainty Advantage, I argue that uncertainty is inevitable. You cannot control the waves, but you can choose what anchors you. Without values, it is easy to drift into secure looking paths that feel empty. With values, you have a compass that points toward meaningful work and a sustainable career.
The need could not be clearer. In 2024, more than 150,000 tech workers were laid off worldwide. No one can guarantee job security. But if you know your values, you can chart a path forward even when everything else falls apart.
Five Ways to Clarify and Use Your Values
List your values. Write down three to five words that reflect what matters most (for example curiosity, service, family, creativity).
Reflect on peak moments. Think of a time you felt energized at work. Which values were being honored?
Spot misalignment. Recall a time you felt drained or conflicted. Often that means your values were being ignored.
Use them as a filter. Before saying yes to a role or project, ask: does this align with my values? If the answer is no, it is probably not the right choice, even if it looks safe.
Revisit regularly. Life changes, and so do values. Schedule a yearly “values check in” to make sure you are still steering the right course.
The Takeaway
Values do not eliminate uncertainty. They make it navigable. The next time you face a major career decision, do not just ask what is secure. Ask: does this align with my values? I learned this lesson when I left Goldman Sachs. Money and titles come and go, but values are the anchor that never drifts. If you want more tools to anchor yourself and thrive in uncertain times, you will find them in my book The Uncertainty Advantage.