Many UK graduates are struggling with unaffordable student loan repayments, causing them to leave jobs or avoid higher-paying positions in fields like teaching and healthcare. With loans up to £120,000 and rising interest rates, graduates are finding it difficult to progress in their careers, buy homes, and manage their mental health. Some have chosen lower-paying jobs or part-time work to reduce loan repayments and avoid higher income tax rates. For example, a project manager with growing debt opted for a lower-paid role to ease her financial burden.
