Suzanne Drossaers

Nothing Wrong With It

My name is Suzanne Drossaers, and I'm graduating in Graphic Design with my campaign "Nothing Wrong With It."

In our society, it seems like we always have to be "on." Young people experience constant pressure to perform. Everything has to be perfect the first time: get a diploma, land a job right away, prove yourself in the workplace. Meanwhile, you also have to be socially active, look good, and maintain a perfect social media feed. No wonder burnout rates among young people are at record highs: 1 in 4 experiences it.

We've lost the balance between effort and relaxation. There used to be moments of rest in everyday life, but now they're filled with scrolling, planning, and even more performance. Rest has become something you "have to earn," only after everything is done. But that moment often doesn't arrive.

My ambition with this campaign is to improve the well-being of young Dutch working people through "doing nothing." "Niksen" is a focus-free activity that leaves room for daydreaming. It's an alternative to the culture of constant productivity and haste. A counterargument in a world full of perfect pictures and endless ambition. A reminder that it's okay to take a break. Because niksen isn't a luxury, but a necessity for your vitality and mental health.

There's really, really, really nothing wrong with niksen.