Purpose Anxiety

Purpose anxiety is a relatively new term that relates to the anxiety and negative feelings such as stress, worry, and frustration that arise when seeking a sense of life fulfillment. Coined around 2014, this term describes the quiet panic that accompanies the belief that one should have a grand, well-defined purpose but struggles to identify what that is. This type of anxiety often occurs during times of significant transitions, when people start to look for their purpose in life or find a new purpose to correlate with a new chapter in their life, or times when people are actively trying to fulfill their sense of purpose. 

1.  Job-Hopping and Imposter Syndrome: Individuals with purpose anxiety may frequently change jobs in search of the "perfect" role, believing that a specific job title or salary will provide the meaning they crave. This can lead to feelings of imposter syndrome and constant comparison to others. 
2. Negative Emotions: Purpose anxiety can manifest as stress, worry, frustration, and fear.  People may feel stuck or lost, leading to a cycle of negative thoughts and self-doubt.
3. Comparison with Others: The tendency to compare oneself with peers can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and increase anxiety levels, making it difficult to appreciate one's unique journey.