The Impact of School and Work on Mental Health: A Deep Dive into Modern Pressures

By: A. Azmah, H. Melody, A. Dia, M. PJ, C. Zahwa, N. Nova

Introduction: 

The interaction between school, work, and mental health has become an increasingly pressing issue in our rapidly evolving society. As educational institutions and workplaces push individuals to achieve higher standards, the impact on mental health has become a major concern (Liu, 2022). Mental health challenges are increasing for both students and workers, but the root causes of this increase are often overlooked in favor of productivity. With the growing recognition of the importance of mental health in academic and professional contexts, a deeper understanding of how these environments impact mental health is essential to understanding their true impact.

Balancing Academic and Professional Environments:

The rising cost of tuition has pushed many students to balance their studies with work. Nearly half of all full-time college students hold part-time jobs, a number that rises even higher when part-time students are included. The trend often begins before college—Statista reports that nearly 20 percent of U.S. high school students between the ages of 16 and 19 are employed. Over time, the average tuition and fees for most colleges have increased substantially: 36% in public four-year schools, 34% in public two-year schools. These increased prices enable increased work time in part-time and full-time jobs. According to Mental Health America, students should ideally only work 10-15 hours a week in order to still engage in class work activities and have adequate time to spend freely. However, in 2018, the NCES reported that 27% of full-time college students and 71% of part-time students worked over 20 hours. This surplus of time engaged in the work environment takes away from the students' free time and also class time. Many students already experience a great deal of stress daily with grades, coursework, and projects; additional work pressures will not be good for their mental health. Still, for many, employment is not optional—it’s a financial necessity. 

Success Comes at a Cost:

Students and young professionals are increasingly expected to engage in a range of high-level academic and extracurricular activities, often simultaneously. Many take on advanced coursework, participate in clubs or leadership programs, complete internships, and maintain part-time jobs, all while being expected to preserve high academic performance. This environment, which places a premium on productivity, leaves little space for rest or personal time and may result in long-term consequences on mental health. According to the American Psychological Association, sustained academic and work-related stress has been shown to contribute to heightened levels of burnout, anxiety, and depression among young adults (APA, 2022). Despite this, many students report feeling guilty for taking breaks or not being constantly occupied, as the pressure to remain competitive has become central to student culture. A 2021 study by the National College Health Assessment found that over 60% of college students reported experiencing “overwhelming anxiety,” while nearly 40% stated that they had felt so depressed it was difficult to function (NCHA, 2021). The glorification of overcommitment and the tendency to treat exhaustion as an indicator of dedication may therefore be contributing to this growing trend. It is also worth noting that such expectations disproportionately affect students from lower-income backgrounds, who are more likely to be balancing paid work alongside academic obligations, although further data is needed to fully determine the extent of this disparity. Nonetheless, the current structure many students find themselves in is marked by high performance demands and limited time for rest, which raises questions about the long-term sustainability of such an environment and its broader implications for student well-being.

Advice and Solutions: Supporting Student Mental Health

Although the pressures of balancing school and work can feel overwhelming, there are steps students can take to protect their mental well-being. Setting realistic commitments and avoiding overloading on classes, clubs, or work hours helps create space for rest and recovery. Effective time management—such as keeping a balanced schedule that includes downtime—can also reduce stress, especially when paired with clear boundaries around work and study. Seeking support from teachers, advisors, family, or counseling services can provide guidance and relief, while practicing self-care through rest, exercise, or mindfulness helps sustain long-term balance. On a broader scale, schools and workplaces can contribute by offering flexibility, resources, and programs that encourage balance rather than glorify overcommitment. Together, these strategies make it possible for students to succeed without sacrificing their mental health.

Conclusion:

With students already balancing school, extracurriculars, grades, relationships, and countless other responsibilities, the added demands of work only heighten feelings of stress and exhaustion. While holding a job can build valuable skills and provide financial support, and is often necessary for some people, it often takes away from students’ free time to rest and relax. Over time, this can impact not only their academic performance but also their mental and physical health. Recognizing the heavy weight students carry is important—schools, families, and communities should work to provide support systems that help them thrive, rather than pushing them toward burnout. 

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 College Student Employment