7 Things Young People Face Today

In recent years, the challenges facing 18–29-year-olds attempting to enter the workforce have become increasingly evident. Importantly, these difficulties are not rooted in laziness or entitlement, as is often claimed by critics, but rather are the result of a complex combination of economic pressures, social dynamics, and structural barriers. Moreover, observations from workplace training programs reveal both the potential and the obstacles this generation encounters as they transition into professional roles.

Consequently, many young people are responding to these challenges by studying online, seeking flexible, affordable, and relevant ways to gain skills and adapt to a rapidly shifting job market. Indeed, online learning has become more than a convenience; it’s a necessity for those trying to build careers while navigating rising costs, mental health concerns, and an unpredictable economy.

Therefore, it’s time we stop judging and start understanding.

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Today’s young adults face mounting financial pressures that make independent living a significant challenge rather than a lifestyle choice. Specifically, skyrocketing housing costs in urban centres consume a large portion of monthly incomes, often exceeding 50%, forcing many to delay moving out of their family homes. Additionally, essential expenses such as groceries, healthcare, and transportation continue to inflate, further squeezing limited budgets. Compounding the issue, wages have stagnated; even full-time jobs often fail to provide a liveable income.

Moreover, the burden of student debt aggravates this crisis. Tuition fees have ballooned, with many graduates entering the workforce carrying loans that dwarf their starting salaries. Consequently, this debt limits their ability to save, invest, or qualify for credit, thereby curtailing long-term wealth building. Furthermore, gaps in affordable healthcare coverage leave many vulnerable to unexpected medical costs.

In response, a growing number of young people are studying online to gain practical skills without the financial burden of traditional education. Indeed, online learning offers a more affordable, flexible pathway to career readiness—one that can be balanced with part-time work, caregiving, or other financial responsibilities. By studying online, many are finding a way to upskill and pursue economic independence while avoiding the crushing debt and rigidity of conventional academic routes.

Ultimately, these financial obstacles foster a cycle of dependency and insecurity, where paycheck-to-paycheck living predominates. Therefore, structural reforms such as expanding affordable housing, increasing minimum wages aligned with inflation, and addressing education costs are essential to breaking this cycle and enabling young people to attain true economic independence.

Mental health issues like anxiety, ADHD, and depression have surged among young workers, profoundly affecting job performance and well-being. Specifically, the fast-paced digital era, characterized by relentless notifications, social media pressures, and information overload, has contributed to decreased attention spans and emotional exhaustion. Unfortunately, these challenges are frequently misunderstood as lack of effort or engagement, leading to stigma and under-support.

Moreover, workplaces often lack policies or training to accommodate mental health needs effectively. Without flexible schedules, supportive communication, and access to counseling services, employees struggling silently are at risk of burnout and disengagement. Conversely, when employers prioritize psychological safety, outcomes improve not just for individuals but for organizational productivity and retention.

In response to these challenges, many young adults are turning to studying online as a more flexible and supportive pathway for career preparation. Indeed, online learning allows them to work at their own pace, in environments that reduce stress and distraction, while still gaining valuable skills. For those managing mental health conditions, studying online can minimize the pressures of traditional classrooms and offer a sense of autonomy that enhances both learning and well-being.

Ultimately, supporting mental well-being now demands systemic integration: mental health education for managers, normalized dialogue about psychological struggles, and adaptable work environments. This shift benefits not only employees but also fosters inclusive cultures where creativity and resilience thrive despite cognitive challenges.

The economic and social upheavals experienced by previous generations have profoundly reshaped young adults’ outlooks. Specifically, witnessing parents’ job insecurity, stagnant wages, and diminished retirement security has led to a redefinition of success. As a result, the traditional American Dream—homeownership, lifelong employment, and stable pensions—feels increasingly out of reach.

Consequently, today’s young workforce prioritizes meaningful engagement and work-life balance over mere financial gain. Surveys reveal that over 75% prefer jobs aligned with personal values, social impact, and flexibility rather than climbing rigid corporate ladders. This shift, therefore, fuels the rise of remote work, gig economies, studying online, and entrepreneurial ventures focused on purpose-driven goals.

Moreover, mental health and personal well-being weigh heavily in career decisions, challenging old paradigms of sacrifice for stability. In this context, studying online supports this evolving mindset by offering flexible, self-directed learning that respects individual needs and schedules. Ultimately, this generational recalibration values authenticity, community, and adaptability, demanding that employers and policymakers rethink traditional models of employment and success.

Despite their digital adeptness, many young adults struggle with interpersonal and professional skills critical for career growth. Specifically, employers consistently emphasize the importance of communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, yet many new entrants lack practical experience in these areas. Furthermore, educational systems often focus heavily on academics, neglecting soft skills training.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this gap by reducing in-person networking, collaborative projects, and mentorship opportunities. As a result, young workers frequently report discomfort with foundational workplace behaviours such as maintaining eye contact, professional etiquette, and conflict resolution. These deficits can therefore hinder job performance, advancement, and workplace integration.

In response, many are supplementing their education by studying online, which offers not only technical skills but also opportunities to engage in virtual collaboration, communication workshops, and interactive learning environments that build soft skills. While not a complete substitute for face-to-face interaction, studying online can effectively help develop confidence and organizational abilities in a supportive setting.

Nevertheless, structured mentorship programs, internships, and experiential learning remain crucial in bridging these gaps. By pairing young professionals with seasoned mentors, confidence, communication, and organizational navigation skills are enhanced. Consequently, investing in these initiatives boosts retention and satisfaction, creating a stronger, more prepared workforce ready to meet complex workplace demands.

The modern labour market poses significant hurdles for young adults. For instance, automation and AI threaten to eliminate many traditional mid-skill jobs, removing entry points that historically enabled economic mobility. At the same time, gig economy roles have surged, offering flexibility but lacking benefits and stability. Consequently, job insecurity and income volatility are common complaints among gig workers.

Moreover, entry-level positions frequently fail to pay living wages, with housing affordability crises forcing many to delay independent living or return to multigenerational households. To make matters worse, hiring practices compound difficulties; employers often seek experience that young applicants cannot acquire without first being hired, creating a catch-22. Additionally, implicit biases against non-traditional candidates and employment gaps further restrict opportunities.

In this challenging landscape, many young adults turn to studying online as a means to gain relevant skills and certifications that can open doors to emerging industries. Indeed, online education offers accessible pathways to reskill and adapt, helping to break the cycle of underemployment and limited opportunity.

Therefore, these systemic barriers demand policy interventions such as living wage mandates, benefits expansion for gig workers, inclusive hiring reforms, and investments in workforce reskilling—including support for flexible, affordable options like studying online—to equip young adults for evolving economic realities.

Economic instability, social pressures, and career uncertainties have precipitated a mental health crisis among young adults. For example, Gen Z reports the highest stress levels compared to other generations, driven largely by financial insecurity and unclear futures. Moreover, digital culture intensifies this burden, with social media amplifying feelings of inadequacy, isolation, and fear of missing out (FOMO).

At the same time, diagnoses of anxiety disorders, depression, and burnout are on the rise, yet access to adequate treatment remains limited. Unfortunately, stigma still inhibits many from seeking help, and workplaces often lack formal support structures, resulting in diminished productivity and engagement.

In this context, many young adults are finding that studying online provides a flexible and less stressful alternative to traditional education. Specifically, it allows them to balance learning with self-care, reducing exposure to potentially overwhelming social environments while maintaining progress toward their goals.

Therefore, to foster resilience and well-being, organizations must implement comprehensive mental health strategies ranging from Employee Assistance Programs to wellness initiatives and accommodations that create psychologically safe environments and acknowledge the emotional dimensions of work-life integration.

Addressing the multifaceted challenges confronting young adults requires coordinated efforts across sectors.

• Mentorship & Development: First and foremost, establishing structured mentorships and expanding apprenticeships helps bridge skill gaps and foster professional growth.
• Education Reform: Additionally, integrating social-emotional learning, communication, financial literacy, and accessible options like studying online into curriculums prepares students for real-world demands. Furthermore, flexible online learning can help close educational gaps and provide continuous upskilling opportunities.
• Living Wages & Benefits: Meanwhile, policy reforms should align wages with living costs, expand healthcare coverage, and explore innovative supports like universal basic income pilots.
• Inclusive Hiring: Similarly, adopting competency-based hiring and bias mitigation diversifies talent pools and values potential over pedigree.
• Mental Health Support: Moreover, normalizing mental health discussions, offering flexible accommodations, and wellness resources improve retention and productivity.
• Affordable Housing: Finally, investing in housing affordability, rent controls, and first-time buyer programs reduces financial strain on young adults.

In conclusion, collective empathy combined with systemic change can dismantle barriers and unlock the potential of the next generation.

Today, young adults face unprecedented economic, social, and psychological challenges that traditional frameworks fail to address. Moreover, their shifting values and adaptive strategies reflect responses to systemic shortcomings rather than personal failings.

Therefore, society’s future prosperity depends on embracing comprehensive reforms that empower youth through education, opportunity, and compassionate support. For many, studying online represents a vital avenue to gain skills, adapt to changing job markets, and overcome financial barriers associated with traditional education. Ignoring these realities not only perpetuates inequality but also stifles innovation. Conversely, investing in young people is both a moral and strategic imperative, fostering inclusive growth, social cohesion, and resilience in an increasingly complex world. Ultimately, the time to act is now.