Career anxiety isn’t limited to students preparing for exams. Young professionals worry about promotions, experienced employees fear falling behind, and many of us quietly compare ourselves with everyone around us.
In the first episode of our Careers & Mental Health series, DiscoverU founder Nahida Coelho speaks with Riddhi Padhya, School Psychologist at Jayshree Periwal International School, Jaipur, and a practicing counsellor with over 15 years of experience across education and corporate environments.
Together, they discuss why anxiety is becoming increasingly common, how social media and family expectations influence our decisions, and the practical habits that can help us build healthier careers – and healthier minds.
Q&A with Riddhi Padhya
Tell us about your current role as a school psychologist. How does teaching help you connect with students?
I work with students from pre-primary through Grade 12, supporting their emotional wellbeing both proactively and whenever challenges arise. Along with counselling, I also teach Theory of Knowledge to senior students. Teaching gives me a unique opportunity to observe students in their everyday environment. Often, what you notice in a classroom is very different from what a student shares during a counselling session. It also helps students see counsellors as approachable adults rather than someone they only visit when there’s a problem.
“Connection is often the first step towards supporting someone’s mental health.”
Why do you think so many students and professionals feel anxious about their careers today?
We’re living in a culture of constant achievement. Social media amplifies this because we mostly see people’s successes – not the failures, doubts or struggles behind them. Students today also face far more competition than previous generations. Many grow up feeling they must always stay ahead, make the “right” career decisions, and never fall behind. For professionals, the pressure simply changes form – promotions, salaries, job security and comparisons with peers all contribute to ongoing anxiety.
How much do parents influence career anxiety?
Parents usually want the best for their children, but sometimes their own unrealised dreams become expectations for their children. Instead of exploring a child’s interests and strengths, conversations often focus on marks, careers and financial success. That leaves very little room for experimentation or self-discovery. Not every 17- or 18-year-old knows exactly what they want to do – and that’s perfectly normal.
“Giving young people time to explore often creates happier, more motivated professionals later.”
Do students and professionals experience anxiety differently?
The feeling is similar, but it often shows up differently. Students may become withdrawn, irritable, struggle academically, or lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed. Professionals may continue performing well while experiencing what’s called high-functioning anxiety. They may appear successful externally while quietly struggling with relationships, sleep, burnout or emotional exhaustion. Anxiety doesn’t always look obvious.
How do family, culture and social expectations add to career pressure?
Our upbringing shapes how we view success, responsibility and failure. Cultural expectations, gender roles and family beliefs all influence how people experience career anxiety. Sometimes these pressures are so deeply ingrained that we don’t even recognise them. The good news is that conversations around mental health are becoming more open, helping people question these expectations and make healthier choices.
What are some early signs that career stress is affecting mental health?
One of the earliest signs is when situations you previously handled comfortably begin to feel overwhelming. You may find yourself focusing only on problems rather than solutions. Your resilience decreases, and everyday challenges begin to feel much harder. Physical symptoms can also appear, including:
- Poor sleep
- Racing heartbeat
- Constant restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased irritability
Students may also experience declining grades, withdrawal from class participation and reduced enthusiasm for activities they once enjoyed.
Why do so many people tie their self-worth to marks, job titles or salaries?
Self-worth develops from childhood. If children are only praised for achievements like marks or awards, they begin believing their value depends entirely on performance. That’s why it’s important to recognise qualities beyond achievements – being kind, dependable, supportive or resilient. One exercise I often recommend is writing down personal qualities that others genuinely appreciate about you. Many people initially struggle because they’ve never been asked to think about themselves in that way.
“Your achievements may change – but your character stays with you.”
How can someone recognise that their definition of success isn’t really their own?
A common sign is feeling that you’re never doing enough – even after achieving meaningful milestones. Instead of celebrating progress, you’re immediately comparing yourself to someone else and wondering what’s next. That’s often a signal that your idea of success has been borrowed from family, society or social media rather than being defined by your own values. Reflection helps you separate external expectations from what genuinely matters to you.
What practical habits can help reduce career anxiety?
Small, consistent habits make a big difference. Some practices I regularly recommend include:
- Spend 10–15 quiet minutes reflecting on your day.
- Journal if writing helps you process emotions.
- Limit unnecessary social media comparisons.
- Exercise regularly to regulate both body and mind.
- Stay connected with supportive people who won’t judge you.
- Remind yourself of challenges you’ve overcome before.
Building resilience isn’t about eliminating stress – it’s about learning how to respond to it more effectively.
Key Learnings
Career anxiety is becoming increasingly common
Social comparison, constant achievement culture and uncertainty affect students and professionals alike.
Success isn’t the same as self-worth
Your value isn’t defined by marks, salary or job titles. Character, resilience and kindness matter just as much.
Parents and culture shape career choices
Supportive conversations about exploration and interests can reduce unnecessary pressure on young people.
Anxiety often hides behind success
High-functioning anxiety means someone may appear successful while silently struggling emotionally.
Reflection builds resilience
Simple habits like journaling, limiting comparison and recognising personal strengths help create healthier perspectives.
Mental wellbeing deserves the same attention as career growth
Long-term career success is difficult without emotional wellbeing and self-awareness.
Conclusion
Career journeys are rarely just about choosing the right profession – they’re also about managing uncertainty, expectations and our relationship with success. As Riddhi Padhya reminds us, anxiety isn’t something to ignore or hide. It’s something we can recognise, understand and manage with the right support, healthier habits and more compassionate conversations. Whether you’re a student preparing for exams, a professional navigating change, or a parent supporting someone through career decisions, building resilience is one of the most valuable investments you can make. Because ultimately, a successful career isn’t only measured by achievements – it’s also measured by wellbeing.
Riddhi Padhya is a School Psychologist at Jayshree Periwal International School, Jaipur, and also runs a private counselling practice. With over 15 years of experience across education and the corporate sector, she specializes in mental wellbeing, personal growth, and workplace performance.
Originally from Mumbai, Riddhi holds a Master’s in Human Development and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She has worked as a lecturer and corporate trainer, has been featured on All India Radio Jaipur for career counselling discussions, and is an active member of the Counsellors Council of India. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, travelling and trekking.
