Invisible burden
Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2010) and Generation Alpha (born after 2010) grew up with the explosion of social media, which has become an almost inseparable part of their lives. This generation also experienced years of online learning due to the pandemic, when the digital space became the primary channel of connection. For them, the boundary between reality and virtuality has become more blurred than ever. Consequently, the pressure to make an impression, to stand out, or what is now called "shining," has become a major challenge to avoid falling behind their peers, especially online friends.
The most obvious way for many young people to "shine" is to meticulously curate their social media profiles to always stand out: a carefully edited photo, a check-in at a luxurious location, or designer items. These images easily garner many likes and admiring comments. However, for many young people, this "shining" on social media is sometimes just a carefully constructed facade. Behind it lie financial pressures, a competitive mindset, and the constant need to prove themselves.
Nguyen Quynh Phuong H. (28 years old, graphic designer, residing in Tan Binh ward), who once pursued a lavish lifestyle, recalled: "Right after graduating from university, I was lucky enough to find a fairly good job. Because it was easy to earn money, I became complacent and spent quite freely. From eating at fancy restaurants to buying expensive tech gadgets. For example, my actual job only required a mid-range laptop, but I still spent over 70 million VND on a high-end machine, just to film unboxing videos to post online. As a result, for more than a year of working, my entire income was only enough to pay off my credit card debt."
Speed or endurance?
This is also a form of "glorious" pressure, but it doesn't come from glamorous images on social media or lifestyle items. Many young people set themselves milestones for rapid career development: they must quickly become team leaders or department heads, and achieve a position and accomplishments at a very young age.
In the competitive and fast-paced environment of modern society, speed sometimes becomes the measure of success. Stories of easy career advancement make many feel that if they don't move fast, they're falling behind. But this very comparison also traps many young people in a cycle of pressure, always feeling that they are not good enough, not fast enough.
After graduating from university, Nguyen Thanh T. (32 years old, organic chemistry engineer, residing in Binh Hung commune) found a satisfying job and set a goal of becoming the head of a compound research team within just half a year of starting work. T. recounted: “At that time, my former team leader said he was about to emigrate with his family abroad, so I worked day and night in the laboratory to compete for this position with my colleagues. The results of my efforts were there, but the consequence was a significant decline in my health.” Currently, T. has to spend a lot of money treating bronchitis caused by overwork from sleepless nights. For him, salary and position are no longer important. “I chose to slow down, still striving in my work but finding a better balance between work and rest. Everything has become more pleasant, and my spirits are no longer as stressed as before,” Nguyen Thanh T. shared.
Many HR professionals believe that a career is not the result of a sprint but a long journey. Speed may create brilliant moments, but endurance is what determines a solid path to development. When young people accumulate experience, hone their skills, and understand their own pace of development, success may come a little slower, but it is usually more sustainable.
In a world where every achievement is easily displayed and compared, the pressure to "shine" has become a familiar feeling for many young people. But "shine" doesn't necessarily mean rapid progress or expensive possessions. Sometimes, it's simply about finding your own rhythm and having the perseverance to see your chosen path through to the end.
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/ap-luc-ruc-ro-de-nang-nguoi-tre-post843389.html
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