Vibe Check Practice

You’re on LinkedIn and another classmate is celebrating their promotion. Meanwhile, your feed shows weddings, BTO keys, and “new job!” announcements. You can’t help but wonder: “Why am I not there yet?”

You’re not imagining things. Around the world, young adults are feeling the weight of job insecurity, sky-high expectations, and the pressure to follow a linear career path. But here’s the truth: success doesn’t come with a stopwatch.

Why Do Young Adults Feel Behind in Their Careers?

This feeling isn’t just personal—it’s global. According to the International Labour Organization, youth unemployment is nearly 2–3x higher than overall unemployment, affecting about 65 million young people worldwide. In Singapore, nearly 13% of fresh graduates in 2024 were still jobless six months after graduation—the highest in years.

👉 The takeaway? If you’re struggling, you’re far from alone.

Why Is It So Hard for Graduates to Find Jobs Today?

On-the-ground realities tell a starker story.

Several shifts are creating a perfect storm for young adults:

• More graduates than there are jobs.
• A mismatch between what we study and what companies actually need.
• Economic slowdowns and the rise of automation.
• The pressure of comparing ourselves constantly online.

How to Stop Comparing Your Career Progress to Others

Your timeline doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

• Your pace is valid. Your path doesn’t need to mirror friends’, social media, or national norms.
• Pause = growth. Temporary detours—gap months, career shifts, upskilling—are not setbacks but intentional pivots.
• Small wins matter. Building resilience, clarity, mental health, or exploring passion projects are not off-track—they are foundation-building.

Practical Tips to Overcome Career Comparison and Job Anxiety

Reflect, don’t compare. Ask: What progression feels meaningful to me?

Celebrate micro-progress. Maybe it’s building confidence, learning new skills, or pacing yourself sustainably—not immediate promotions.

Lean into community. Talk openly: chances are, your peers are feeling the same.

Invest in yourself. Whether it’s side gigs, courses, or rest—these shape your long-term journey

So if the world—or your feed—has you feeling behind, take a deep breath. Remember: this is not a race. With youth unemployment still sitting at double the global average, your struggles are real—but they don’t define you. Everyone’s journey moves at a different rhythm. Your path doesn’t have to follow the map everyone else is on.

You’re not late.
You’re right on time for your own life.

Corlissa Seah, Counsellor & Founder of Vibe Check Practice
Providing online therapy to support mental health and well-being

Book an appointment with us using this link!