It has come to my attention that my generation/peer group, whatever you may call it, is under constant observation. The X-ers and the Boomers are anxiously awaiting to see what our next move will be, and how we are going to handle this world once the power shifts. I have similar questions for myself, however they do not harbour as much weight as the questions for my species do.
My questions are rather self centered and purely for my own benefit, and that is how I think my generation works. Of course we would all like to work for the greater good and see a better tomorrow, but when it comes down to it our most immediate goals are "how do I acheive everything that I want". This question we pose ourselves comes with obvious obsticles and hurdles that, perhaps, our parents and grandpaernts didn't have to grapple with.
For example: The Generation Y or Millenials are some of the most educated people currently. I'm sure that will change once the Gen Z or "Net Gen" take over, but for now let's treat that as a compliment. The down side to this "over education" is that (from the time we were young) we have been told that if you get an education you will get a job. Well here we all are with degrees galore and guess what... there are no jobs. So we are staying home longer, remaining dependant on our parents well into our twenties and dare I say some... thirties? We have amassed piles of PHD's and piles of debt. We are broke, unemployed, dreamers who keep thinking of "the next thing", which is why many professionals belive that we will have up to 6 careers in our life time (I am well on my way to surpassing that number very soon).
All of this comes down to the un ending questions we have about our futures that apparently no one has the ansers to. When will my education pay off? When will I get a real job? Will I ever be able to afford a home? What am I supposed to do with my life?
So much uncertainty, and yet, I supposed that leaves room for a lot of optimism. Let's hope we don't lose it.
It is with this understanding, that I have decided to dub us: Generation WHY. Let's not stop asking questions, Let's keep reaching for the next big thing, and let's come out of this recession stronger and better prepared to handle the world than those before us.
Dude, I had the exact same reaction to "adulthood" as you did when you said we were told that as long as we got a degree, we'd get a job. I got the good grades, I got the degree, I participated in leadership positions.... and then it took me a year and a half to find a "real" job. And it's not even in a field I like. I feel you, sister. But this job allows me to be indendent and go for my next goal. I guess the best lesson I learned after college was that you can't expect and/or plan ANYTHING. xoxoKate
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