How does the inferiority complex impact career decisions among our youth today?
Inferiority complex or low self-esteem is a growing problem these days. This is affecting many lives in many ways. The youth is extensively suffering from this problem today.
Do you know anyone who always compares himself to others or someone who is very egoistic or someone who cannot take criticism?
Before going ahead, we need to understand the term inferiority complex.
It is a condition where we criticise ourselves and compare ourselves to others. To some extent, this comparison is normal and healthy. But when this comparison is constantly prevailing in our minds, then it may be the symptom of an inferiority complex.
Psychologists use the term chronic low self-esteem instead of inferiority complex. In this condition, we compare ourselves to others, and we criticise ourselves over pity issues. We feel like losers. We abuse ourselves. We constantly discourage ourselves. We start to expect disappointment. This eventually impacts our physical and mental growth, relationships and health.
This condition plays with our minds and hinders our decision-making. If present in the youths, this condition can impact their career decisions.
Choosing the right career is very important for all of us. According to a study, more than 85% of people are not happy with their jobs. According to another study, approximately 60% of people change their careers. And about 30% switch careers in 12 months or less. These studies show that almost everyone has made the wrong career decisions. There are many reasons behind this. One of the reasons is the inferiority complex.
Now, we are going to discuss 3 ways the inferiority complex impacts career decisions. Towards the end, we will discuss ways to overcome the inferiority complex.
- Constant comparison
Former president of the US, Theodore Roosevelt once said that comparison is the thief of joy. He is right to some extent.
Comparing ourselves to others is deeply rooted in our survival instinct. It was important for us during the stone age to compare each other so that the right work is allotted to the right person.
In our schools and colleges also, this comparison ensures healthy competition between the students. This helps the students to learn more and score more in exams. This eventually helps them to grow.
But what happens when we have an inferiority complex, we start to compare ourselves to others more often. This comparison wanders constantly in our minds and plays with our thoughts. This comparison harms our self-worth and we develop low self-esteem. Because there is naturally someone in this world who is doing better than us. This impacts our decision-making capacity. We tend to make decisions that do not help us in any way. Rather these decisions destroy our individuality and personality. And in youth, it may impact career decisions. They may choose careers that are not suitable for them. They may choose careers that do not match their personalities, strengths or interests. They eventually end up frustrated and disheartened.
- False sense of superiority
You must have heard people saying "you know who I am?" "You know who my father is?"
I'm sure you have. Especially during a road fight.
These are the symptoms of low self-esteem or an inferiority complex. This is called a false sense of superiority.
People with low self-esteem and an inferiority complex tend to find superiority in things that they have like cars, status, wealth or their father's status or position. These kinds of people often are egocentric. They start to brag about themselves or what they have for external validation. This temporarily boosts their self-worth and gives them a false sense of superiority. They feel superior to others but beneath their robe of superiority lies self-doubt, insecurity, and a sense of inadequacy.
Now imagine a youth having this false sense of superiority. How will he act in this condition? Will he be able to make the right decisions? Will he choose the right career for himself?
I am sure you know the answer to these questions.
- Sensitivity to criticism
Constructive criticism can be a source of motivation and can help one to grow and excel in life. A youth, especially, must know and understand the importance of constructive criticism. It is important for their growth, success and development.
However, a person with an inferiority complex is unable to separate his results and self-worth. He always carries his self-worth with his results. And upon getting criticism even constructive, his self-worth gets harmed. He feels wounded.
A young person with low self-esteem and high sensitivity to criticism will never try something new. He will never experiment in his life. He will only stick to the safe side. This impacts his decision to choose the right career.
This person will only choose that career in which he will succeed easily, in which he will get less or no criticism, or in which he will always come up with positive results. This gives birth to a false sense of superiority and that person gets trapped in a vicious cycle of an inferiority complex.
Now we will discuss 3 ways to overcome the inferiority complex.
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Self-compassion
Practising self-compassion will help a person with inferiority complex to overcome this condition. Reminding yourself from time to time that making mistakes and being imperfect is human nature, is one way of practising self-compassion.
- Positive affirmations.
To overcome negative self-talk or criticism you can practise positive affirmations. You can use positive affirmation either in writing or verbally. It will help you to replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts.
Do you remember the "All is well" scene of 3 idiots? That was also a kind of positive affirmation.
- Setting Goals
If you are suffering from an inferiority complex, you may have to sit down and set your goals again. This time the goal setting should be based on your ambitions and preferences. You should keep your negative criticism and comparison far from you this time.
Remember, if this problem of yours is very severe and intensive, you should visit an expert.
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