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- 04/16/2026: How to Stay Focused on Social Impact in Difficult Times
04/16/2026: How to Stay Focused on Social Impact in Difficult Times
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04/16/2026
Every week, you open this newsletter and find new jobs, some jokes, and lil bit of news about the social impact industry. This week, after looking around at…everything going on in the world, we hope you find some inspo to keep going, too.
Here's what we got on tap for you today
Meme of the Week
Article of the Week: How to Stay Focused on Social Impact in Difficult Times
New Job Opportunities
Win of the Week: A New Social Impact Read Grounded in Hope
Bummer of the Week: Iran War Causes Surge in Wholesale Prices
Meme of the Week
Article of the Week
How to Stay Focused on Social Impact in Difficult Times
Giphy
Welcome back, Impact Jobbers. Quick Q…have you, like, looked around recently? If we could assign a relationship status to this season of life in America and beyond, we would say it’s hella complicated.
Between a war, gross inequality, confusing job markets, high costs of living, and just…so much more, we wouldn’t blame you for feeling a tad bit burnt out, jaded, or disillusioned.
You got into the social impact field to do purposeful work that made the world a better place. And instead of thanks, you get…*looks around*…all of this. Let’s talk about it.
Gif by snl on Giphy
How do you stay connected to your mission and values when the world feels so overwhelming? Whether you’re in a social impact job already or you’re looking for one, it’s difficult to stay focused on doing good when survival feels more and more difficult.
Ironically, times like these are when the world needs people like you the most. So what do you do?
We don’t have all the answers, but here’s what we think could help:
Release the pressure. No one can operate at full capacity all the time, especially in unstable times. Give yourself permission to take breaks, rest, and disconnect from the never-ending news cycle.
Redefine what impact means to you. There’s an old Dorothy Day quote that goes, “Everyone wants a revolution. Nobody wants to do the dishes.” Essentially, small actions can be just as important as big ones. Grandiose ideas only work when they’re backed up with personal action. Don’t overlook the good work you’re doing daily (at work, home, and in your community), even if it feels insignificant.
Focus on what you can control. You can’t solve all the world’s problems, so don’t carry the weight of every single issue on your shoulders. Instead of figuring out how to respond to it all, ask yourself how you can stay connected without feeling constantly overwhelmed.
Ground yourself in your values. The world changes, but your values don’t. Your decisions, both at work and in your job search, can still align with your values and purpose.
Gif by snl on Giphy
Don’t forget: the fact that you want to make a positive contribution to the world means that your heart is already in the right place. The world around you may feel chaotic, but it doesn’t get to take that from you.
Ready to get back to the job search? Scroll down for the latest and greatest Impact Jobs.
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Win of the Week:
Need a new social impact book that actually makes you feel hopeful? Harper Horizon just announced the debut book by professor of global ecology Thomas Crowther, also known as “The Steve Jobs of Nature.” Nature’s Echo: Harnessing Ancient Feedback Loops to Heal a Changing Planet will release on June 2.
Bummer of the Week:
Predictably, the war in Iran has raised the price of energy, which is now driving up overall inflation. The Labor Department recently reported that the producer price index, which measures inflation before it hits consumers, went up from 0.5% in February to 4% in March.