Executive Summary
Each developmental stage correlates with milestones that are specific to one’s cognitive context. Young adulthood encompasses individuals between the ages of 18 and 25, who are characterized by a variety of observable traits common to this age bracket. Career and relationship opportunities, as well as the newly acquired independence and responsibilities that come with young adulthood, are typically associated with this stage.
The case study presents key problems that a young adult encounters, namely, difficulties in managing newly acquired responsibilities and obligations. The purpose of the current paper is to examine the circumstances in which the subject encounters difficulties in managing academic and professional needs. The focus on theory, highlighting the importance of intimate relationships and self-conceptualization, will aid in formulating a comprehensive counseling intervention. It is proposed that the situation be examined by applying relevant developmental theories correlating with young adulthood. The intervention will incorporate the subject’s drive to discover herself and her priorities, as well as focus on a potential career change.
Introduction
The nature of young adulthood, as well as its theoretical framework, highlights the difficulties individuals encounter when transitioning from adolescence to this life stage. The task is to identify relevant frameworks and contexts that will aid in analyzing the case study subject, specifically the 21-year-old Sarah. Sarah has two jobs that hinder her academic potential despite her desire to graduate within the next few years. She expresses dissatisfaction with both jobs due to their social nature. However, Sarah and her boyfriend came to an agreement that she would support them in the first year, while her boyfriend would take on the role after graduating. The plans have changed as he has pursued schools for two years, which is why Sarah feels stuck in her position, causing her stress and dissatisfaction.
The widespread nature of the problem underscores the significance of the case. The aim is to place the barriers identified in the case within a theoretical context and develop an intervention. The current report will be divided into the findings that have been evidenced and the discussion and intervention, which will be reflective. It has been identified that Sarah’s problems with managing her academic, personal, and professional life are theoretically linked to her life stage, which is essential to consider as one’s well-being is hindered under such conditions.
Findings
As a young adult, Sarah appears to encounter the difficulties and barriers that are often associated with this life stage. For example, researchers highlight the milestone of acquiring an education, which facilitates future opportunities and the establishment of a social circle (Liljeholm et al., 2023). Another theoretical implication related to young adulthood is that individuals first establish a career at this stage. Despite the opportunities, researchers highlight that younger employees encounter various difficulties when it comes to finding and maintaining employment (Weiss et al., 2021). Due to a lack of experience, employers may be hesitant to offer positions to individuals between the ages of 18 and 25.
The phenomenon is one of the reasons why young adults are often seeking counseling. Relevant literature emphasizes that they perceive their first positions as dissatisfactory yet have obligations that require them to stay in a position that induces stress or unhappiness (Maree, 2021). Additionally, young adults often experience job insecurity, which can lead to disruptions in their overall well-being. A similar context can be highlighted in the case study, as the subject does not change her job due to the responsibilities that are perceived as impossible to fulfill without the current work.
From a theoretical perspective, the authors emphasize that young adulthood is a unique stage. Individuals within this age bracket have typically already developed a sense of self during childhood. However, researchers mention that aspects of personality and self-perception change with the establishment of a career (de Moor et al., 2022).
As in Sarah’s case, she has learned that specific jobs hinder her happiness; yet, she has yet to achieve optimal self-awareness that would allow her to transition to other positions, despite minimal improvements in her well-being. The theory of young adulthood is centered around the idea that during this time, one’s main driver is the need for intimacy (Lazzara, 2020). Intimacy is established through social relationships such as friendships and romantic connections.
Additionally, the theory suggests that young adults learn to intensify their connections and engage in mutual support on a higher level (Hochberg & Konner, 2020). The framework can be highlighted in the case study, as Sarah’s barriers have arisen from her desire to support her boyfriend before he graduates, and in turn, support her. Socioeconomically, romantic relationships vary based on the opportunities available to the parties (Tillman et al., 2019). In this case, Sarah and her boyfriend, Michael, depend on each other.
Another finding, formulated as a result of examining the case study, is the nature of the relationship between Sarah and Michael. This aligns with the theory that serious and committed relationships are significant milestones in adulthood, leading to increased satisfaction (Gonzalez Avilés et al., 2020). At the same time, the context underscores the responsibility that comes with establishing such relationships. However, researchers suggest that relationship satisfaction can decrease depending on several factors, such as its duration, the responsibilities it entails, and the effort one invests in maintaining it (Bühler et al., 2021). Hence, although theoretically, early adulthood is the stage at which serious relationships are explored thoroughly, satisfaction with such connections plays a key role in the well-being of individuals within the couple.
The underlying problem, in this case, is that Sarah experiences dissonance as she views her relationship as a potential disruptor to her academic achievements and, consequently, to securing a job she prefers. Researchers have explored the phenomenon and theoretical hypothesis that adolescents and adults in their 20s are more likely to have relationships in which they report feeling stuck (Jamison & Beckmeyer, 2020). The authors attribute this to the fast-paced lifecycle of the interaction, in which individuals choose to minimize opportunities to break up within a short amount of time. To achieve this, it is through relatively instant cohabitation, having children, and marriage.
The theory can be attributed to the case study, as Sarah’s emotions correlate with the feelings examined by the researchers. Moreover, in both cases, parties have entered a committed bond, which is difficult to exit, despite their young age and the opportunities to focus on other aspects of adulthood, such as education and a profession. Nonetheless, the decision to enter such a relationship aligns with the aforementioned theory, which posits that the primary driver during young adulthood is the desire for genuine intimacy (Gómez-López et al., 2019). Simultaneously, Sarah and Michael’s circumstances can be approached from a reflective perspective during counseling, given the nature of their commitment to each other.
Discussion
Job Dissatisfaction
According to the case study, several issues can be identified from Sarah’s counselor’s perspective. The first problem is her dissatisfaction with her job and overall schedule, which prevents her from pursuing her academic objectives. Sarah reports such feelings as being the result of her job’s requiring social interactions.
It is possible to apply the theory of personality styles. Specifically, researchers have highlighted that individuals with an introverted personality type are more likely to feel comfortable in quieter and less communicative work environments (Kang & Malvaso, 2023). Possibly, Sarah’s plan to work with animals is one of the clues that link her personality with the lack of desire to be around people. A potential solution would be to explore other ways in which Sarah can support herself and her partner without compromising her values by accepting positions that make her feel uncomfortable and unhappy.
An example would be an exploration of options involving work with animals. Introverts have been found to have a higher affinity for animals, particularly dogs (Powell et al., 2021). Hence, counseling could provide a safe space in which Sarah can explore her options and select a path that better fits her preferences and personality.
Relationship Dissatisfaction
Another problem that can be identified based on the case study is that Sarah’s feelings towards the arrangements with Michael have been reported as negative. Specifically, she experiences stress since she is trapped in circumstances in which her boyfriend is pursuing his academic objectives while she supports him financially. Theory suggests that substantial obligation in relationships hinders the well-being of middle-aged adults (Oh et al., 2020). The barrier is potentially maximized in young adults due to the lack of experience and the multiple transitions that happen during this period, alongside the major romantic commitments. Open communication is another aspect that can be emphasized.
It appears that Sarah was not ready to commit to her arrangement with Michael for two years, rather than the initially agreed-upon one year. Effective communication can help alleviate the problems that have occurred and provide a clearer perspective (Kiełek-Rataj et al., 2020). During counseling, Sarah can explore the option of having an open discussion about her feelings, both with herself and with her partner.
Additionally, Sarah appears to face a dilemma that many people experience in the modern day: prioritizing between a career and marriage (Keldal & Şeker, 2021). From a theoretical standpoint, both milestones are the primary needs experienced by young adults, which is why such a choice may be unreasonable. However, considering the values from Sarah’s perspective can provide a more comprehensive overview of a plan of action that she can implement in her personal and academic life.
Conclusion
The purpose of the report was to identify the barriers that hinder Sarah’s well-being and propose a roadmap for counseling based on her life stage, young adulthood, as well as the transitions that are particularly challenging to navigate. It was found that Sarah’s issues correlate with the fact that her jobs do not fit her personality, as well as her limited ability to prioritize certain aspects of her life over others.
As per the discussion, it was identified that the findings correlate with the theoretical context of young adulthood, namely, the need for intimacy and professional discovery. Counseling recommendations include motivating the client to determine other potential career paths that align with her preferences, as well as discussing priorities and the notion of self-concept. This can help Sarah determine how to dismiss her feeling of being stuck and allow her to choose her path according to her personal desires.
Recommendations
Sarah requires a counseling intervention to address the barriers she and other young adults face concerning her career and education. To counsel according to career barriers is to integrate professional and psychological issues while proposing ways in which the client can minimize the aspects of her life that hinder her well-being (Osborn et al., 2022). According to the psychological session, her dissatisfaction with her current job will be further explored.
A lack of professional motivation is a predictor of mental health issues, which is why counseling is necessary (Qiu et al., 2021). Sarah would benefit from exploring aspects of her work that minimize her happiness. As she already highlighted, she does not feel comfortable in social situations. Hence, it is essential to explore ways in which she can find greater joy in her professional performance.
Sarah can explore other jobs that are better suited to her personality. Working with animals is one option that counselors can consider. For example, dog handling, pet sitting, or working at an animal shelter would be effective options. Another option would be to align with her goals of becoming a veterinarian and working at a pet clinic as an assistant or administrator.
Additionally, the topic of openness and self-awareness will be approached during counseling. Researchers highlight that, although theoretically, self-concept is formed during adolescence, it is better defined and more comprehended during young adulthood (de Moor et al., 2022). During counseling, Sarah will be encouraged to identify her preferences and priorities and to provide an honest assessment of the situation. Additionally, she will be encouraged to have a conversation with Michael on aspects of her life she is not comfortable with. A potential solution would be to budget, minimize expenses, and work less, allowing Sarah time to pursue her academic goals.
References
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