New research says young people sacrifice mental health to get ahead in their careers

The road to success for young people appears to be more challenging than ever before.

In an era where financial stability is often equated with success, new research reveals that many young people are making significant personal sacrifices in pursuit of their career goals.

A new study conducted by The Prince’s Trust and LADbible Group highlights a concerning trend: nearly half of young people (47%) admit to sacrificing their mental health to get ahead in their careers.

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The search for stability is now the biggest priority for many young people. 72% identify it as the key factor in determining their success, overshadowing traditional markers such as career fulfilment. This shift in values suggests a growing emphasis on immediate financial needs over long-term job satisfaction.

The pursuit of financial stability has led many to prioritise work over personal relationships and self-care. Nearly half (46%) of young people report spending less time with family and friends, and 31% are neglecting hobbies and travel.

These sacrifices are even more pronounced among disadvantaged groups—62% of young people in social housing or with caregiving responsibilities report sacrificing their mental health for career advancement.

This trade-off becomes even more alarming when considering that half of the surveyed young people (52%) are willing to sacrifice their social lives to succeed in their careers. Additionally, 32% would forego their mental health, and 33% would compromise their physical well-being.

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The financial pressure faced by young people often leads them to juggle multiple jobs. According to the research, 44% of respondents have worked more than one job at some point in their lives, with 18% currently doing so. The primary motivations behind this trend are to make ends meet (35%) and to provide financial support for their families (33%). Almost a quarter (23%) of those juggling multiple jobs are also doing so to foster career growth.

The findings of this research serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of mental health whilst on the quest for success.

Young people today are navigating a complex landscape, it is essential to strike a balance between financial aspirations and personal happiness.

You can read the full report here.

The Prince’s Trust helps tens of thousands of young people each year to build the confidence and skills they need to realise their potential. Three in four young people on Prince’s Trust programmes move into work, education or training. Visit https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/