Meaning and Purpose for Gen Z and Millennials

Last updated: February 3, 2026

For many people in Gen Z and the millennial generation, meaning and purpose have become an important compass. Not only in work, but also in friendships, relationships, free time, and the way you use social media. We do not just want to stay busy, we want what we do to actually stand for something.

That is no coincidence. Gen Z and millennials grew up with technology, a constant stream of information, and the feeling that the world is close by. Because of that, you notice more quickly what is going on, but you also feel pressure, doubt, or decision stress more easily. That is exactly where meaning can help: it gives direction, calm, and a sense of significance.

What is meaning, really?

Meaning is the feeling that your life is in line with what matters to you. It often comes down to three things:

• Connection: with other people, with a community, with something bigger than yourself
• Growth: learning, developing, building something that fits who you are
• Contribution: the feeling that you are making an impact, big or small

Meaning does not have to be grand. It can also be found in being there for someone, in creativity, in sport, in making honest choices, or in daring to say how you are really doing.

Why these generations care about it so much

Recent research paints a clear picture: meaning and social impact play a major role in how Gen Z and millennials make choices.

Many young people and young adults see purpose as important for their satisfaction and wellbeing. The social impact of an organisation also matters to many people when choosing an employer. Research also shows that meaningful work is linked to higher engagement at work.

In short: you do not just want to work somewhere, you want to contribute to something, and you want to feel okay while doing it.

Meaning in work and in private life

At work, you see this in questions like:

• Does this fit my values?
• Can I grow here?
• Does this feel fair, human, and safe?
• Does this contribute to something I care about?

In private life, you see the same mechanism. Many people actively look for experiences and communities that fit their values. Think of volunteering, activism, sustainable living, but also simply spending time with people around whom you can truly be yourself.

Practical: how to find your sense of meaning faster

Here are four short steps that help a lot of people. Simple and practical, even when your mind already feels full.

1) Choose your top 5 values

Write down 10 values that matter to you, for example freedom, creativity, honesty, health, family, adventure, calm, connection, growth, impact.
Then choose your top 5 and write down 1 example for each value of how you are already living it today.

2) Do a quick energy check

Make two lists:

• This gives me energy
• This costs me energy

Then look for 1 small adjustment you can make this week. Something that gives you energy, plan it in on purpose. Something that drains energy, make it smaller or do it less often.

3) Make impact smaller

Impact does not have to be perfect or big. Choose 1 action that can be done within 20 minutes:

• Send a message to someone you appreciate
• Make an appointment you have been putting off for weeks
• Tidy up something that has been causing stress
• Have one honest conversation
• Take one small step toward something that matters to you

4) Use your environment wisely

Meaning grows faster when you share it. Look for people who recognise your values. That can be a friend, a sports team, a community, a workshop, or simply one person you can really talk to.

What this has to do with Like Charlie

Like Charlie was created from the need to make mental health easier to talk about and to start and keep the conversation going. Because openness leads to connection, and connection helps.

Our story prints are designed to make topics that can feel heavy more visible and easier to talk about.
View all story print T shirts:
https://www.likecharlieclothing.com/collections/t-shirts

We have also developed a question card game that helps people have real conversations in an accessible way.
Discover the question card game:
https://www.likecharlieclothing.com/collections/vragenspellen

Want to know what Like Charlie stands for and who Charlie is?
Read our story:
https://www.likecharlieclothing.com/pages/het-verhaal

We also visit secondary schools to introduce young people to mental health in an accessible way. We do not yet have a dedicated page for this.
Interested or want to make a request?
Email management@likecharlieclothing.com.

In closing

Meaning is not an endpoint. It is a direction. Sometimes it feels like you have lost it, and sometimes you suddenly feel very clearly what is right. That is part of it. Keep starting small, keep being honest with yourself, and remember that you do not have to carry everything alone.

Sources

Deloitte Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey 2025
https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/issues/work/genz-millennial-survey.html

Deloitte Gen Z and Millennial Survey 2024
https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/topics/talent/deloitte-gen-z-millennial-survey.html

Gallup, Purposeful Work Boosts Engagement, but Few Experience It (2025)
https://news.gallup.com/poll/697403/purposeful-work-boosts-engagement-few-experience.aspx

Pew Research Center, Where people find meaning in life (2021)
https://www.pewresearch.org/global/feature/meaning-in-life/