Running out of time: why Gen Z feels its falling behind at the age of 21

It’s a feeling psychology students are noticing too. 19-year-old Anayaa Jambure sees the conversation repeat itself among friends and classmates She calls it the ‘everyone except me’ phenomenon. “Every time I open social media, it feels like someone else has achieved something big. Even if you’re doing well, your self-esteem convinces you that you aren’t,” she says. “And rest, rest feels illegal now. We’ve normalised being constantly on the go.”

Experts see the same pattern. Himani Raichur, assistant professor of psychology at Fergusson College and counsellor, explains that several factors are shaping this generational anxiety. “Social media makes you compare yourself with others. Even in education, Gen Zs are facing a lot of pressure, from getting good grades to having perfect CVs to multiple extracurriculars,” she says. “In a study I did with my student, we found that burnout has surpassed working professionals and reached students. It’s not easy. I have observed increased anxiety and fear related to career in students.”

The workplace doesn’t soften that pressure as well, if anything, it adds to it. Vaibhavi Kuduchkar, a 24-year-old functional consultant, thought life after graduation would bring clarity. Instead, it brought comparisons. “When you’ve always done well academically, you don’t expect to suddenly feel left behind,” she says. “But the workplace is full of silent competitions. One scroll on LinkedIn, one achievement post, one update from a former colleague and the spiral begins”

Then there’s pressure at home, the oldest, quietest pressure and for many, the pressure that hurts the most.“My parents want me to be an engineer,” says Aditya Rathod, a 20-year-old engineering student who dreams of starting his own business. “But I want something different and every disagreement feels like I’m failing at life. Like whatever I’m doing is not enough.” His conflict is familiar to an entire generation caught between two worlds, one that insists on stability, another that insists on passion.

According to Raichur the way out begins with slowing down expectations. “Students need to stop comparing themselves on social media and focus on their life, what they want, considering their situation,” she adds. “Setting realistic goals, having a good schedule, sleep, diet, exercise, it’s all related to mental health. Having someone to talk to or a hobby to express themselves helps as well. Everyone has the urge to be their best, but if that urge is lowering your self-esteem, then it needs to be worked on.”

Maybe that’s why ‘Vienna’ feels more relevant today than ever. In a world that moves too fast, maybe the bravest thing Gen Z can do is slow down, believe that they are doing fine and trust that their ‘Vienna’ is still waiting for them.

The writer is an intern with Indian Express.