Jasmine Matthews

There’s a reason nearly half of women say they’re at least somewhat pessimistic about 2026. Economic uncertainty, an increasingly unpredictable job market, and growing political distrust are shaping how women are thinking about their futures, and just as importantly, how they decide where to invest their time, energy, and resources to advance their careers. For many of us, it’s difficult to chart a path without acknowledging what reality is signaling.

Work has felt a little different lately. The environment has shifted as employer expectations change, quiet anxieties build around how economic uncertainty might impact company priorities, and, quite frankly, life is just a lot right now. In the midst of it all, 45 percent of women say they feel less supported by their companies, according to a recent InHerSight survey.

Twenty-two percent of women in the InHerSight community say they turn to articles and blogs for career advice. It makes sense. Sometimes a quick checklist connecting with someone else’s story is exactly what it takes to feel inspired to reset your mindset, shift your energy, or take a step forward.