"The Struggling Generation"

Millennials. The struggling generation. Real state prices going up, university fees going up, debts going up, life expectancy going up, global warming going up. Wages going down, job opportunities going down, quality of life going down, emotional stability going down. It seems that the panorama isn’t looking very bright.

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/statefarm/26663820390 (Free licensing. No changes were made.)

Millennials seem to be experiencing hardships trying to get older generations to adapt to modern times. Millennials are demanding more tolerance, more action, and more rights. The problem? They don’t have the power. They have the ideas, the voices, the platform. But they’re wasting invaluable time convincing those in power. The political arena is mostly dominated by baby boomers that refuse to step aside to let it freshen up.

Millennials are stuck. But they refuse to stop moving. If they don’t find opportunities, they create their own. They were able to create effective business models using platforms like YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. Yes, most people use social media as a time killer, but many millennials were able to invest that time efficiently and generate an income from it.

Millennials have created new job models and structures that couldn’t have prospered in any other time. They may have more “advanced” tools, but that doesn’t make their application any less clever. They have a particular hatred towards the 9-5 model. And who blames them? You’re working for someone else, helping them achieve their dreams. Yet, you can’t even take a day off without permission.

Now, I’m not a millennial. However, I appreciate what they’re doing, because my generation will be the one to harvest what they’re sowing today.

The future is uncertain, it has always been. Nonetheless, I can’t get my head around how difficult it’s becoming for young adults (and even adults) to reach stability. The majority is struggling to find a job in which they can apply their skills and knowledge. They’re barely getting by, paying countless bills that keep skyrocketing.

I believe that, as a society, we haven’t adapted to our new lifespan. Is it still short in comparison to almost everything else? Yes. But that doesn’t mean it’s short or meaningless for us. We developed consciousness, therefore, we value and appreciate our life. Suddenly, we live life slower. We take our time. We’re forced to take our time. We’re forced to wait for opportunities. Yet, why is our lifestyle becoming more rushed? When was the last time you took five minutes to reflect upon your day? To take a deep breath and feel truly alive?

We’re letting the rush of everyday life steal our significance. We’re living life as if we have 1000 years to achieve everything we desire. As if time is on our side. Time is not our enemy but is not our ally either. Time is just time. There’s no such thing as “the right time” if we want something we must fight to get it. Millennials are doing just that.

Thanks to them and their persistent movements we have a more tolerant and accepting community. We’re moving towards real equality. They’re trying hard and they’re not stopping anytime soon.

When I started writing this article, I wasn't quite sure of what I wanted to say. I just let the words bleed through my fingers, hoping my message is clear. We all want a better lifestyle, an increased income and to be heard. Maybe it’s time we understand what Millennials have been trying to say for so long.

Do you want something? Then go and get it. Society isn’t going to give it to you.
Our society is experiencing a metamorphosis. Whether the outcome is positive or not, is entirely up to us.

“The struggling generation” will continue to succeed. They will achieve things we didn’t think possible. And my generation? We’re going to improve it because we’ve been inspired by all those resilient young adults.
They've been insulted, humiliated and still receive a lot of hate. Their response? They keep moving. No matter what. Life-changing ideas and movements are always controversial.

Be the change you want to see.

Thank you for reading!
Let me know your thoughts. I didn't plan for this article to be my first, but I hope you enjoyed it. I'm open for debate if you want :)

P.S. My apologies if there are any mistakes, I wrote this on the train (ironically).