Indicate why it is important for young people to be aware of how their current lifestyle decisions could affect their ability to access job opportunities

For the Life Orientation Grade 11 Term 3 2025 task, the topic of Careers and Career Choices under Competencies, Abilities and Ethics explains that the lifestyle choices young people make now can directly affect their chances of getting a job in the future. As it has been explained in this topic, employers look at more than just your qualifications — they also check behaviour, health, social media activity, and whether you act responsibly.

Indicate why it is important for young people to be aware of how their current lifestyle decisions could affect their ability to access job opportunities

Direct answer to the question:
In order to Indicate why it is important for young people to be aware of how their current lifestyle decisions could affect their ability to access job opportunities, you must include an answer below:

It is important because employers may judge your suitability for a job based on your behaviour, health, and conduct, and poor lifestyle choices can reduce your chances of being hired.

As explained under Work Ethics and Individual Responsibility for Making Informed Decisions and Choices, your lifestyle decisions can either help you or hold you back when it comes to getting a job. Examples include:

• Risky behaviours such as substance abuse, unsafe sexual behaviour, or reckless driving can damage your health and limit job opportunities.
• Negative social media activity can make employers see you as unprofessional or unreliable.
• Poor health habits can cause frequent illness, making it harder to meet job demands.
• Lack of discipline or irresponsible actions can show employers you cannot handle responsibility.

Good lifestyle choices can have the opposite effect:

• Build a positive reputation and make you stand out in interviews.
• Show employers you can handle responsibility and teamwork.
• Keep you physically and mentally fit for work.