“Behind every application is a young person navigating stress, uncertainty, and hope.”
Discover practical tips for managing mental health and wellbeing while navigating youth employment. Learn how young people can stay resilient, motivated, and confident during job searching and career transitions.
Reflecting on Youth Employment and Wellbeing
Before we dive into this important topic, take a moment to reflect. Job searching, career planning, and stepping into the world of work can stir up a mix of emotions.
👉 When you think about job searching or planning your future, what’s the first word that comes to mind?
Is it stress? Hope? Excitement? Uncertainty? Whatever it is, your feelings are valid. Recognising them is the first step in understanding how your mental health connects with employment.
Why Mental Health Matters in the Job Search
When we talk about employment for young people, the focus is usually on CVs, skills, and interviews. What often gets overlooked is how much mental health and wellbeing influence success.
As someone who’s navigated education, unemployment, and the world of work, I know how uncertain the journey can feel. Looking back, I wish I had understood sooner that taking care of my mental health was just as important as writing a great CV.
When your wellbeing is strong, you’re able to stay motivated, confident, and resilient—even when rejection happens.
“Job searching can feel overwhelming—managing mental health is key to staying resilient.”
For those aged 18–24, especially if you’re searching for work or unemployed, there are some real struggles that can affect mental wellbeing:
- Rejection & self-doubt – Applications that go unanswered can feel personal, even when they’re not.
- Isolation – Without routine, days can become long, unstructured, and lonely.
- Financial stress – Money worries weigh heavily and can affect confidence.
- Comparison & social media pressure – Watching others succeed can make you feel stuck or left behind.
- Falling into unhealthy habits – Oversleeping, procrastinating, or endless scrolling can keep you from moving forward.
Unchecked, these challenges can spiral into stress, anxiety, or depression—and make the cycle of job searching even harder.
5 Wellbeing Tips to Manage Stress During Job Searching
The good news is, you can build resilience and protect your mental health with some simple but effective strategies. Here are five wellbeing tips for young people navigating employment challenges:
- Stick to a routine – Structure your day like a working day. Wake up, get dressed, plan your schedule. Consistency builds focus.
- Take small steps – Instead of thinking “I need a job,” break it down into manageable actions: update your CV, send one application, or reach out to one person.
- Stay socially connected – Talk to friends, family, or mentors. Connection reduces isolation and helps you feel supported.
- Be mindful online – Use social media for networking and opportunities but avoid endless scrolling that harms self-esteem.
- Prioritise physical health – Move your body daily. Exercise, even walking, reduces stress, sharpens focus, and boosts your mood.
These quick wins won’t solve everything overnight—but they create a foundation of confidence and momentum.
Avoiding Negative Habits While Unemployed
When job searching feels tough, it’s easy to slip into habits like staying up late, procrastinating, or withdrawing from others. The key is self-awareness.
Ask yourself: Is this habit moving me closer to employment, or holding me back?
If you notice yourself spiralling, hit reset. Small positive actions—like journaling, exercising, or reaching out to someone—can interrupt negative patterns and put you back on track.
Final Thoughts: You Are Not Defined by Rejection
Here’s the truth: unemployment does not define you. Rejection does not define you. These are temporary steps on a much bigger journey.
How you manage your mental health today will shape the resilience, mindset, and confidence you carry into your future career.
I’ve been where you are—navigating the uncertainty of youth employment. And I stand here today because I didn’t give up. Neither should you.
You’re not just building a career—you’re building a healthy mindset and the resilience to thrive in life.
🎥 Want to hear more? Watch my video here: Managing Mental Health & Wellbeing While Navigating Youth Employment (YouTube)
Author ~ Zeenat Noorani -The Clarity Coach I Co-fonder & Director Let’s Talk Better CIC
