Gen Z Burnout: The Pressure to Achieve Immediate Success

-Editorial 

In a context shaped by immediacy, digital overexposure, and high social expectations, Ivon Guerrero Ceballos, Director of Psychology Programs, and Silvia Beltrán Machuca, psychologist at the Student Development Center (CEDE) at CETYS University Mexicali Campus, reflected on the impact of burnout among young people and the growing pressure to achieve success at increasingly younger ages.

The CETYS experts agreed that newer generations face a highly demanding environment, characterized by multiple stimuli and expectations that, in many cases, are assumed without a process of personal reflection. According to the specialists, today’s society is driven by performance, where external demands are internalized, creating the perception that success depends solely on individual effort.

“There is strong pressure to ‘have to be’ and to constantly perform. These external demands have been internalized, becoming an inner voice that pushes one to say ‘I can do it’; however, paradoxically, this can lead to self-exploitation. Thus, when certain goals are not achieved, it is perceived as a lack of personal will, especially when comparing oneself to others who seemingly do succeed,” explained Silvia Beltrán.

Likewise, Ivon Guerrero noted that the role of social media has intensified this phenomenon by presenting idealized versions of life and personal achievements, which can create a distorted perception of one’s own progress. 

“An idealized and unrealistic version of what people achieve at a young age is displayed, leading to constant comparisons: ‘I haven’t traveled, I don’t have those degrees or that lifestyle.’ This contrasts with one’s own abilities and resources, generating frustration and anxiety from an early age. However, self-realization is a lifelong process; it is important to set goals with a realistic perspective aligned with one’s own possibilities,” she emphasized.

In this regard, they warned that the main psychological effects include emotional and academic exhaustion, anxiety, depression, and a disconnection from one’s physical and emotional needs. This is compounded by the development of superficial relationships, resulting from prioritizing performance over personal connections.

The specialists also highlighted that, in many cases, this pressure begins at an early stage, driven by both family expectations and highly structured environments where time for rest, leisure, and personal exploration is limited. This dynamic can hinder identity development and reinforce the idea that personal worth is conditioned by achievement.

Regarding the frustration of not meeting goals by a certain age, they emphasized that there is no single timeline for success. Each path is shaped by different contexts, opportunities, and support networks, so comparing individual processes can create an unrealistic view of personal and professional development.

They also noted that one of the main areas of opportunity for young people is learning to make decisions without fear of making mistakes. Far from being a failure, making mistakes is part of the growth process and allows individuals to adjust their course, strengthen self-awareness, and build a more authentic life project.

As part of their recommendations, they stressed the importance of questioning preconceived ideas about success, recognizing that this concept is different for each person, and prioritizing emotional well-being. They also highlighted the value of building strong support networks, maintaining meaningful relationships, and seeking professional guidance when necessary.

Finally, they emphasized that success can be understood not only as the accumulation of achievements, but as the ability to build a life aligned with one’s own values, interests, and aspirations, in balance with mental health and personal development.