{"id":5429,"date":"2025-07-16T15:20:17","date_gmt":"2025-07-16T10:20:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sehatyab.com\/hazarnaimat\/?p=5429"},"modified":"2025-08-26T16:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T11:00:00","slug":"how-career-confusion-impacts-the-mental-health-of-youth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sehatyab.com\/hazarnaimat\/how-career-confusion-impacts-the-mental-health-of-youth\/","title":{"rendered":"HOW CAREER CONFUSION IMPACTS THE MENTAL HEALTH OF YOUTH IN PAKISTAN"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to a study by Pakistan Today, 25% students are confused about their career by the time they complete high school.<\/span><\/p>\n

Moreover, a report by the American Psychological Association (APA) states that career-related stress is among the top three causes of anxiety globally.<\/span><\/p>\n

ROOT CAUSES OF CAREER CONFUSION IN YOUTH IN PAKISTAN<\/span><\/h2>\n

Career confusion stands at the borderline between a person\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

SOCIAL MEDIA ILLUSIONS EXACERBATING CAREER CHOICES<\/span><\/h3>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

PARENTAL PRESSURE<\/span><\/h3>\n

Furthermore, parental pressure is another grave concern. Parents with an authoritarian parenting style coerce their children to pursue the career of their parents\u2019 choice. For instance, parents will compel their children to choose medicine, engineering, or civil services, without their children\u2019s interest.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

ROLE OF SOCIETY\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Additionally, the societal expectation of \u2018respectable\u2019 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

CONTRIBUTION OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN CAUSING CAREER CONFUSION AMONG YOUTH IN PAKISTAN\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also Read :<\/span>
\nImportance of Counseling Services in Pakistani Schools<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACTS OF CAREER CONFUSION ON YOUTH IN PAKISTAN.<\/span><\/h2>\n

While increasing stress, career confusion can cause profound mental health challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n

LOW SELF-ESTEEM\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

OVERTHINKING AND ANXIETY<\/span><\/h3>\n

Person becomes anxious and overthinks about his failures, that \u201cwhat will happen if he fails?\u201d, for instance, entrance exams, admissions, internships, getting jobs, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n

INCREASE IN DEPRESSION<\/span><\/h3>\n

Prevalent career confusion, societal expectations, and continuous failures can lead to clinical depression. In this situation, hopelessness, loss of interest, and isolation become common.<\/span><\/p>\n

IDENTITY CRISIS<\/span><\/h3>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

HOW CAREER CONFUSION CAUSES ACADEMIC BURNOUT<\/span><\/h2>\n

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 \u201cwhat if I am never able to do this?\u201d which manifests in insomnia, irritability, overthinking, and complete social withdrawal. It further paralyzes one\u2019s decision-making ability.<\/span><\/p>\n