We’re swimming in a sea of uncertainty these days. Just a cursory glance at the news reveals economic turbulence, social unrest, and devastating cuts to university funding. What do these facts mean for those who are looking for their next career moves? We hear from many women who discover that their professional journeys can take unexpected twists and turns — and they often end up to be beneficial experiences. It reminds us of Jen Zamzow’s article about her own experience of finishing her post-doctoral fellowship with a job lined up … and then needing to pivot due to a hiring freeze. Spoiler alert: good things came from her experience. What challenges are you encountering in your own career path? Our team prays for our readers regularly, so send us a message if you’d like us to pray for you.

“If you get a PhD in philosophy like I did, the expectation is that you will become a philosophy professor. Or work at McDonalds. Those seem to be the only two careers people think you can have with a degree in philosophy.”

These life decisions can often unearth complex questions about goals, plans, and even identity. In those moments of struggle, it’s normal to experience a rising panic about vocation and opportunity. What useful skills do I have anyway? Am I even worth hiring? We’re reminded of Emily Crider’s writing as she considered the question, “Am I just too much?” If you feel that you’ve been cornered by your own ambitions, take heart — the Lord knows you, loves you, and made you. You are dearly beloved. You are not alone. Emmanuel, God with us, accompanies each of us in every moment.

“I was struck by the reminder that God, our Good Shepherd, goes to the highest cliffs, the lowest valleys, and the scariest of circumstances to find us and care for us. How could I be ‘too much’ of anything for a God like this?”

You’re Invited!

Would you (or someone you know) enjoy working with Women Scholars and Professionals? We’re looking for people with skills in marketing & communications and editing & content. Check out our job listings!

Pray with us! You can join our online, 30-minute guided prayer meetings on Fridays at 8 am, 9 am, and 12 pm (Eastern). Can’t come? Send your prayer requests anyway by emailing us at wsap@intervarsity.org. Ready to pray? Join the Zoom meeting here for those Friday meetings.

A Lenten Prayer Experience. How are you observing Lent this year? There is still time to join us for a gentle rhythm of prayer based on the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius. Click through for sign-up information and more details!

FROM OUR FRIENDS AT INTERVARSITY PRESS

Transform Your Writing: A Workshop (June 23-27, 2025) Do you feel called to write but wish you had more time to focus on it? Would you like to improve your craft or learn to write more effectively? Do you need encouragement or consultation to discern next steps on your writing? If so, the Transform Your Writing workshop might be for you. Space is limited, so apply now!

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FROM IVP

• Faculty exam copies. Professors can request a free exam or desk copy. Register for a professional account to access this benefit!

• Are you an InterVarsity alum? Use promo code IVCFALUMNI to get a 25% discount at ivpress.com.

Four More Things We Loved This Week

1. This 44-second stop-motion video illustrates the way beaver dams create natural protection against wildfires. (Read more about it in this article featuring the work of Dr. Emily Fairfax.)

2. “In these conversations where God is listening to me and I am listening to God, I am praying a little differently than I did when I was younger.” Alice Fryling describes the way we can hear spiritual reminders from our aging bodies.

3. Harvard has announced that they’re increasing their free tuition threshold from $85,000 to $200,000. This NY Times article explains the details. (NY Times, unlocked)

4. This Vancouver-based artist creates gorgeous pieces out of LEGO bricks, beginning “each artwork with a color palette and no plan.”