Author: Karla Miklautz
Date of Publication: 20/03/2023
More than 50% of young people fear for their future regarding their business careers and that number is increasing every day. This piece of information comes from the UCL Institute of Education researchers highlighting a huge current social problem.
Specifically, the dynamic and busy environment of the modern age often leaves consequences on young generations. Of course, we are talking about those being at the beginning of building their professional business careers. So, the main trigger of distorted mindsets in adolescents and fresh graduates is social pressure mostly caused by social media. Apart from that, we shouldn't exempt other factors such as comparison, unrealistic expectations, and imaginary time limits. Therefore, all these lead to stress, feelings of anxiety, and even greater lostness.
The main trigger of social pressure
The major factor in the lostness of young generations is social media. Besides its numerous advantages, many succumb to the idea that the grass is always greener on the other side. Nowadays, when social platforms are flourishing, a comparison is one of the most common stress triggers in people of all ages, especially young ones. In fact, it's human nature for people to compare themselves with others. However, in most cases, it leads to feelings of insecurity, and not being qualified enough, so it's considered a trap for career success. Making a comparison is not the best way of making a professional career, and is counterproductive. This is because it leads to a lack of motivation in youngsters when it comes to achieving their goals. Therefore, due to social media influence, they often make unrealistic expectations connected with imaginary time limits when they 'must' achieve certain things in life at some point which is only caused by the pressure.
How to deal with it
The Mental Health Foundation survey found that six in ten young people aged between 18 and 24 hardly cope with the social pressure to succeed. In particular, Mark Rowland, the CEO of the Mental Health Foundation says: ''Our survey highlights just how vulnerable young people are to mental health problems. Thus, it shows how much pressure young people are feeling to be a success.''
When it comes to stress and pressure periods and situations, it's essential to be aware of them in order to avoid the consequences they might cause. It's important to make a comparison of your own progress only and focus on things you have achieved. This will help you avoid focusing on others' career paths and things you don't have. Furthermore, looking back at your educational or professional career just to remind yourself of how far you have come isn’t only useful for a successful start of your career but for avoiding burnout too. What’s more, keep in mind that social media users are presenting only the good sides of their life.
In a nutshell
All of that social pressure leads to feelings of anxiety and stress that can cause even more issues associated with mental health in young people. Not knowing exactly which way to go and what option to choose is miserable, but expected and normal at the same time, specifically at a young age. So, an efficient way of dealing with that is to normalize and accept it. This is because being conscious about it is the key to solving every difficulty anyone struggles with.
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