The present study seeks to fill a gap in literature by exploring the relationship between social pressures, particularly racism, and the career aspirations of most adults. Therefore, this doctoral project will explore how the burden associated with social expectations affect adults seeking to pursue their careers. The issues discussed throughout this paper will provide valid reasons for the decisions made by adults as they try to identify the career options that capitalize on their skills, interests, and abilities. Most existing studies show interest in children and young adults and the impact of perceived discrimination on their academic performance and future career choices. Researchers as McCurtis, Witherspoon, and Speight (2009), Tovar-Murray et al. (2012), and Strauss, Griffin and Parker (2012) allude that the internalization of stereotypical expectations and beliefs regarding specific populations such as African Americans significantly impact their lives as they are forced to lower their career aspirations. Existing researchers suggest that societal rules are associated with social pressures that affect one’s mental well-being as they result in stress and anxiety as adults strive to achieve success in their careers. This project provides more evidence in support of these sentiments.