Impact of Academic Pressure and Career Uncertainty on Gen Z Burnout and Mental Well-being

There is a substantial concern regarding burnout among Generation Z (Gen Z), which is influenced by the dual pressures of academic demands and career uncertainty. This paper studies the interaction among these stressors and their effects on mental well-being through the use of empirical survey data of 99 university students. Findings are obtained from analyses of correlation and regression which demonstrate that academic workload, self/family expectations and perceived institutional support are important predictors of mental exhaustion, career related stress and feelings of hopelessness. Moreover, the moderating role of digital distractions is discussed and how they aid in increasing the severity of burnout symptoms is explored. It emphasizes the need for institutional interventions such as flexible academic structures, integrated mental health support and career counselling programmes to cushion the resultant mental toll on Gen Z students.