Teens Report Pressure From Adults Over Future Career Choices

A 15-year-old Finnish student says teachers begin asking about future plans as early as middle school. Eini Kaijanen describes feeling constant pressure about academic performance and career decisions. 'Teachers and counselors talk endlessly about choices and grades,' she explains. 'There's no space left to breathe.' Many ninth-grade students across Finland experience similar stress. The pressure begins in elementary school and intensifies toward the end of basic education. Finnish schools typically divide education into lower comprehensive school (grades 1-6) and upper comprehensive school (grades 7-9). Students face important decisions about vocational versus academic tracks after ninth grade. This early focus on career planning appears to be creating anxiety among teenagers. Education experts note that while planning is important, excessive pressure during formative years can negatively impact mental health. The Finnish education system, often praised internationally, now faces questions about balancing preparation with student wellbeing. Young people clearly need more support in navigating these critical life choices without feeling overwhelmed.