HOW CAREER CONFUSION IMPACTS THE MENTAL HEALTH OF YOUTH IN PAKISTAN

In this modern, industrialized, rapidly evolving world, where AI has already taken the lead, choosing the right career has become more complex. Once, finding a job was an easy part – graduate, get employment, settle down – has now become a rag-tag journey, and an overwhelming burden with difficulty in choosing the right choices. The societal expectations, uncertainties in life, comparisons, and internal and external dilemmas have shifted the paradigm of the career approach of youth in Pakistan. And the mental health cost of this crisis is alarming.

According to a study by Pakistan Today, 25% students are confused about their career by the time they complete high school.

Moreover, a report by the American Psychological Association (APA) states that career-related stress is among the top three causes of anxiety globally.

ROOT CAUSES OF CAREER CONFUSION IN YOUTH IN PAKISTAN

Career confusion stands at the borderline between a person’s passion and the practicality of this world. It is a difference between dreams and duties where a person has to tailor his choices according to the societal norms and familial expectations.

SOCIAL MEDIA ILLUSIONS EXACERBATING CAREER CHOICES

To begin with, the rise in social media has changed the perspectives around the globe. People compare themselves with social media influencers, which ingrains feelings of inadequacy in people. The person doubts himself that he is incapable, and these doubts further grow and create internal chaos.

PARENTAL PRESSURE

Furthermore, parental pressure is another grave concern. Parents with an authoritarian parenting style coerce their children to pursue the career of their parents’ choice. For instance, parents will compel their children to choose medicine, engineering, or civil services, without their children’s interest.

For example, a boy from Lahore was pursuing medicine because of his family, while his interest was in art. He failed the medical entrance exam twice, which led him to insomnia and anxiety. However, after counseling, he is now studying architecture.

ROLE OF SOCIETY 

Additionally, the societal expectation of ‘respectable’ careers further limits career freedom. Freelancing, entrepreneurship, becoming a writer, and artist are highly discouraged, despite the potential of these fields, and can become a key trigger of mental distress.

A study by Gallup Pakistan reveals that 65% of students admit that their career choices are influenced by societal pressures, regardless of their own interests.

CONTRIBUTION OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN CAUSING CAREER CONFUSION AMONG YOUTH IN PAKISTAN 

Lack of proper guidance and skilled learning adds fuel to the fire. Education systems in Pakistan lack adequate infrastructure to promote self-exploration. The lack of career counseling and the right mentorship results in stagnation and confusion.

Also Read :
Importance of Counseling Services in Pakistani Schools

PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACTS OF CAREER CONFUSION ON YOUTH IN PAKISTAN.

While increasing stress, career confusion can cause profound mental health challenges.

LOW SELF-ESTEEM 

Self-esteem refers to self-worth. When one confronts continuous rejection and fails to achieve their desired goal, self-worth begins to deteriorate, and the person starts to question their abilities.

OVERTHINKING AND ANXIETY

Person becomes anxious and overthinks about his failures, that “what will happen if he fails?”, for instance, entrance exams, admissions, internships, getting jobs, etc.

INCREASE IN DEPRESSION

Prevalent career confusion, societal expectations, and continuous failures can lead to clinical depression. In this situation, hopelessness, loss of interest, and isolation become common.

IDENTITY CRISIS

Erik Erikson, a renowned psychoanalyst, explained that if a person achieves their desired job and fulfills their dream, they develop their identity; otherwise, they become confused about their role, which creates an identity vacuum, and this vacuum may affect relationships, confidence, and mental health.

HOW CAREER CONFUSION CAUSES ACADEMIC BURNOUT

Students who are confused in their role pursue careers that do not resonate with their skills, leading to disinterest, underperformance, and eventual burnout. This creates a vicious cycle of stress and failure. This overwhelming crisis also leads to existential threats, such as “what if I am never able to do this?” which manifests in insomnia, irritability, overthinking, and complete social withdrawal. It further paralyzes one’s decision-making ability.

 

HEALTHY WAYS TO COPE WITH THE PROBLEM OF CAREER CONFUSION

While this struggle is complex in every nuance, it is not unbeatable. The following are some ways to cope with the stress of career confusion.

EXPLORE NEW CHOICES AND DO NOT RUSH

Allow yourself to experiment with choices of your passion, like internships, workshops, part-time jobs, etc.

SEEK GUIDANCE

Seek guidance from counselors, mentors, or even alumni, as they can provide a different perspective. It can clarify your months-long overthinking.

CAREERS ARE NOT TIME-LIMITED, SO NORMALIZE UNCERTAINTY.

If you have not figured it out till 25 or even 30 still it is fine. It is your journey, so take time to find the right path.

PRIORITIZE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

While searching for the right career, make yourself habituated to mindfulness, journaling, and taking breaks to reduce burnout.

FAMILIAL SUPPORT

Encouraging, loving, supportive parenting is effective in the difficult journey of choosing a career. Parents should not dictate directions, but they must support their child with the dialogue.

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CAREER CONFUSION AND THE ROLE OF SEHATYAB

SehatYab is a digital mental-health platform. It plays a powerful role in addressing career confusion. It offers accessible and affordable mental health support. Moreover, the guidance provided by SehatYab is confidential and ethical. It helps people struggling with career choices. Furthermore, career confusion may lead to anxiety, stress, and depression, and that is where platforms like SehatYab become crucial. SehatYab connects people with licensed mental health professionals who provide appropriate therapy and career referrals. 

In short, choosing the right career is complex and causes many difficulties, but it is not a failure, and just a phase. However, like many other problems, it can also cause severe damage if left untreated. To navigate this complex journey, young people need support, guidance, and encouragement. One can overcome this phase by making the right choices and by prioritizing one’s passion and mental well-being. Except pushing them harder, navigate alongside them in their journey to figure it out, because sometimes pressure can cause more damage than it heals.