"You Did Nothing but the Year Ends" Young Adults Unable to Feel Accomplishment, Expressing Helplessness [Heo Midam's Youth Report]

Office workers are heading to work wearing thick coats at the Sejongno intersection in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

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[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] [Editor's Note] How is your youth remembered? From teenagers to college students and office workers, we share the joys and sorrows, worries, and laughter unique to 'youth.'

"Because of COVID-19, I couldn't do anything, and time just passed by.", "It was a sad year because I achieved nothing."

As the goals set earlier this year were thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic, young people are expressing feelings of emptiness. Especially as opportunities to relieve stress, such as overseas travel, leisure activities, and gatherings with acquaintances, have diminished, many are experiencing depression. Experts warn that the frustration from failing to achieve set goals can be significant, raising concerns about the mental health of young people.

Lee (26), a first-year office worker, failed to achieve most of the goals set for this year. Lee said, "This year was a year in which I achieved nothing," adding, "My goal was to consistently exercise and attend computer classes to improve my personal skills. However, the gym closed due to COVID-19, and the academy went out of business."

He continued, "As the year-end approached, I felt a sense of emptiness, wondering 'What did I do all year?'" and added, "Time seemed to have passed so meaninglessly."

According to a survey, one in two office workers suffers from so-called 'year-end stress.' In a survey conducted by Saramin targeting 1,288 office workers, 53.4% of respondents said they experience more stress at the end of the year than usual. The most common reason was "the emptiness of time passing without any achievements during the year" (48.8%).

Especially this year, the COVID-19 situation has intensified year-end stress among office workers. Among respondents (688) who reported experiencing year-end stress, 60.3% said, "Year-end stress has worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic."

On the 30th, office workers wearing thick coats are heading to work at the Sejongno intersection in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

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Kim (27), a third-month office worker, also expressed frustration with COVID-19. Kim said, "I got a job during the COVID-19 pandemic. I was happy to get employed in difficult circumstances, but since the company continued to implement remote work, I had no chance to build relationships with colleagues and couldn't properly learn the job."

He added, "It feels like I'm just passing time at the company. I have no sense of accomplishment in my work," and said, "Although my boss and colleagues try to teach me, I feel sorry to keep asking questions online, and I don't know what to do. I'm just watching and waiting."

Some express a lack of hope for the coming year. They point out that unless COVID-19 ends, the situation will repeat as it did this year.

Kim (26), a college student, said, "I'm not looking forward to next year. Although vaccines are being supplied, I don't think we'll be able to take off masks soon, and next year will probably be similar to this year," adding, "Not being able to meet friends outside and the shrinking job market are the hardest parts."

As a result, the mental health of young people is also vulnerable. According to the Seoul Youth Activity Support Center's report on "The Impact of COVID-19 on Youth Transition Paths," young people showed the greatest vulnerability in 'mental health.'

When asked if they had ever felt suicidal impulses since last February, 26.8% answered "yes." This figure is about ten times higher than two years ago (2.7%).

The depression score among young people was also high at 20.46 out of 60 points. This is much higher than last year's score of 16.7. According to the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), a score of 16 or higher is classified as mild depression.

Experts analyzed that while 'year-end stress' experienced by young people has negative aspects, it can also serve as a kind of motivation for challenge.

Professor Kwak Geumju of the Department of Psychology at Seoul National University said, "People feel frustrated when they fail to achieve their goals. Especially at the end of the year, many experience negative emotions such as self-blame, regret, or remorse, wondering 'What did I do this year?'" He added, "Moreover, this year, due to COVID-19, it is highly likely that people failed to achieve more goals than they had expected."

He continued, "However, these negative emotions are not necessarily bad. They tend to motivate people to take on challenges. They also play a role in creating aspirations like 'I will make next year more fulfilling.'"

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