Grow at your own Pace

In this issue, we want to focus on how to handle this pressure and rethink what self-optimization really means. It’s not just about performance—it’s about growth, evolution, and finding the right path.

The Mental Health Impact

The philosophy of optimizing oneself is not only a trend among Gen Z, rather it has its roots in Western society. Sociologist Anja Röcke, in an interview with the academic magazine Forschung & Lehre, explains that self-optimization is deeply embedded in modern society and shaped by cultural, economic, and technological forces: “In Western societies, values like performance and excellence, the influence of fitness and beauty culture, and the digitization of everyday life all contribute to the normalization of self-optimization.”
As the philosophy of self-optimizing rises in popularity, so do the consequences as well. The pressure of becoming one’s best self can take a toll on students’ mental health. This feeling of being caught in an endless loop of self-improvement is something many students at TU Wien can relate to. Martin, 28, a PhD student in electrical engineering, describes how self-optimization often dictates his schedule: “I try to make my day even more efficient—working out before lectures, attending networking events in the evening, and squeezing in extra training on weekends. But as soon as my social relationships start suffering, I realize I need to slow down. Yet the moment I do, I feel like I’m not doing enough and wasting valuable time.”
The effects of constant self-optimization are real. A 2016 study by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that one in four students worldwide struggles with severe academic stress. The Mental-Health-Barometer 2023, which surveyed 8,000 students in Austria and Germany, showed that about half of them rate their mental health as poor or not very good. The main causes? Heavy academic workload, financial stress, and the pressure to always improve.
The TU Career Center encourages students to take a different approach. HR consultant Tanja Elgendy explains: “Social media, but also comparisons with one’s immediate environment, can create pressure. However, I should avoid these direct comparisons—it’s about how I develop with regard to myself. The vast number of opportunities today does not mean having to try everything, but rather fostering diversity and enabling individual development.”
Dominik, an embedded systems student at TU Wien, agrees that social media adds to the already existing pressure: “We are constantly trying to present the best version of ourselves online because, ultimately, it all boils down to comparison. We want to measure up to others in the best way possible. Even though we know that social media is full of exaggeration and half-truths, we can’t help but question our own progress after seeing someone else’s seemingly perfect achievements.”

Changing Expectations of the Job Market

A major source of stress for students is the transition from university to the workforce. Employers today expect more than just good grades—they want candidates who are adaptable, resilient, and well-rounded. Internships, extracurricular activities, and soft skills have become just as important as technical knowledge. Sociologist Bernhard Heinzlmaier explains: “The ability to self-market is more important than ever. Image building and rhetorical skills are crucial competencies for success.”
Yes, that’s right—companies today set high expectations for young professionals, but in return, they offer substantial support and development opportunities. They have recognized that sustainable success doesn’t lie in one-sided optimization pressure, but in a long-term partnership that benefits both parties. While they demand performance and continuous improvement, they simultaneously invest in mentoring, professional development, and a balanced work-life approach—with the goal of not just challenging talent but also retaining them for the long term and growing together.
Are these expectations real or are students pressuring themselves? What do companies actually say?

The question is: Do students really need to be part of this stressful cycle to be successful? Personal growth and ambition are great, but there’s a fine line between healthy motivation and pushing yourself too far. It’s important for students to recognize the value of soft skills without getting lost in the feeling of having to master everything at once.
The TU Career Center reassures students: “As a graduate, I do not have to be an expert in all areas. If the desired work experience is missing, I can stand out with authentic interest, intrinsic motivation, and a willingness to learn. Companies also value transferable skills, such as problem-solving abilities.” So instead of seeing self-optimization as a checklist of accomplishments, it’s important to focus on personal strengths, well-being, and realistic growth.
The TU Career Center aims to empower students and support them in becoming aware of their existing skills. How we learn best and develop ourselves is highly individual. Universities provide the space for learning and can create inclusive frameworks.
As TU.mander reminds us, real progress doesn’t come from external pressure alone—it comes from within. Finding the right balance between growth, well-being, and personal fulfillment is key. Optimization is not about proving your worth—it’s about discovering your potential. So optimize—but do it with heart, balance, and self-awareness.