The world of work

For many young people, the period of life between 16 to 19 years includes their first experiences of the world of work as they become employees or start professional roles.

This can impact on their identity through professional norms or regulated codes of conduct. They may also need to take on a professional burden through becoming responsible to the communities that they are learning to serve.

Whilst in some cases earlier years’ opportunities involving community work and volunteering can go some way to preparing them emotionally for this responsibility, it is likely to be a time where professional burdens may be both exciting and stressful.

This may simply include the need to adapt to the routines of the working environment or may include the need to take on professional roles and responsibilities.

For example, 18 year old student nurses caring for young people can find this emotionally and practically challenging, as they seek to extricate their own developing identities and ideals from those of their clients within a professional framework.