World Mental Health Day 2022: Supporting students who worry about future success

Having overcome a pandemic that caused global disruption and devastation, the impact of climate change, and a spiralling cost-of-living crisis, students have navigated the most tumultuous years of school life arguably seen in a lifetime. Now, ahead this World Mental Health Day on 10 October, a new study from online tutoring experts, MyTutor explores the impact of these historic societal shifts on today’s students, unveiling concerns around fear of failure and the importance of success in later life at an earlier age than ever before. The data shows that 66% of students today consider education the main vehicle for personal successes – in comparison to 47% of Baby Boomers – with 60% of students believing it will open doors to pursue successful and fulfilling careers within sectors such as healthcare, sustainability, and charitable organisations – supported with financial stability.

Amidst today’s once-in-a-lifetime backdrop, where young people continue to face extraordinary challenge and change, MyTutor’s research has further unveiled that Gen Z, over and above any other generation, are now far more aware of the impact of education on their future career path and success, with 57% of young adults believing being successful is, or, was their biggest priority in school, in comparison to only 27% of Baby Boomers, where this statistic nearly halves. In addition, the data also unveils a major transformation in what students deem to be important in their careers, with 61% of 16–24-year-olds agreeing that they wish to prioritise an occupation that has a positive societal impact, whilst not sacrificing their salary, with a further 63% attributing the ability to not worry about finances later in life as ‘success’.

Key Stats:

57% of 16-24-year-olds believe that being successful is/was their biggest priority in school, compared to 27% of Baby Boomers
61% of students said that a career with a social impact is where they would like to progress in
60% of students agree that they would like a career that supports future generations such as sustainability, health care, or charitable organisations
66% of students agreed that they realised that education was the prime route for them to achieve personal success in life, compared to 47% of Baby Boomers
Amidst the cost-of-living crisis, 63% of students attribute the ability to not worry about finances in later life as success
52% of students agree that they define success by how much they are able to help people
51% of students agree that success in their life is defined by their value to society
Confronted by numerous socio and political crises, students today are realising that the best way to pursue a future with personal success, is to create it themselves. They want to take more agency in the problems they see in the world, whilst not having to worry about finances, and are connecting the dots from their education in school as a fast track to a fulfilled future. As such, MyTutor has now unveiled the sectors and roles that tackle some major world issues – such as climate change, health and educational equality – in their Create Your Future online resource, with tips on what students can do to become change-makers, and the qualifications they need to get there.

Nicola Anderson, Chief Customer Officer of MyTutor, comments on how young Brits are placing education at the helm of their perceptions of success:

“It’s encouraging to see from these results that so many young people understand the importance of education in achieving their future career goals, but with so many options available, it can be difficult for teens to relate what they learn in the classroom with the jobs they may want in the future. It’s therefore essential for young people to have access to detailed advice and guidance, so they are aware of how different subjects and qualifications can help them at each stage of their educational and professional journey.

“At MyTutor, we aim to inspire and empower teens to see that what they learn now, both in and out of school, can help them achieve the future they want for themselves. Through our free online resource ‘Create Your Future’, we’re connecting teens with undergraduate tutors who, as students at top universities, are that bit further on their career journey, so they can offer real-life advice and relatable insight as to why they’ve chosen further study and the subjects they needed to take to get there. We’re hoping that through this resource we’re not only able to inspire teens to develop a greater understanding of the varied and exciting options available to them, but also to help them find enjoyment and relevance in learning, both in and outside of the classroom.”