Generation Y, the "self-absorbed" group of young adults born between 1980 and 2000, who to much dismay are paving the future. What is difficult to understand is why exactly we have this reputation. Society has defined us as smartphone-addicted, self-absorbed, people who equate "hard work" with their participation trophy. We are only satisfied with instant gratification, lack personal communication skills, and are unwilling to work hard for what we earn. While some of those accusations seem to be true superficially, millennials are making changes to the future whether older generations like it or not. So, here are some common beliefs explained:
"We're lazy."
40 percent of the unemployment rate is composed of millennials that are of working age. Therefore it must be true, millennials are lazy. The problem with this argument is that it comes from the misguided idea that millennials aren’t trying to get jobs or make something of themselves. It’s not that we aren’t trying, we may even be trying harder than any other generation ever has. We grew up during one of the most difficult economic periods in United States history. However, that does not stop us from pursuing a college education, despite knowing the risk of having to pay off student loans well after we graduate. We are the most educated generation, but we have the hardest time finding jobs. About 44% of millennial college graduates are stuck with low-paying jobs. So who’s to blame for this disturbing statistic? Our parents and grandparents. Generation Xers and Baby Boomers are taking up all the jobs and not retiring soon enough because they are afraid of economic instability. Meaning that all of the high paying jobs are still being occupied by this older work force. Although this is unfair for Generation Y, it does lead a lot of millennials to start their own businesses instead of following a blue-collar path out of necessity.
"We're entitled."
We have been called the Trophy Generation because we are given trophies for just showing up rather than for achievement. We’re entitled because we are given participation points? False. Because we have received so many undeserved awards and witnessed how little it actually takes to obtain one, we no longer want them. We have found value in working to actually achieve something great, despite the efforts of Generation X to make everyone feel like winners. Sure, at the time I loved hearing my name get called out to go get my third grade softball bobble head trophy. What I didn't realize until now was that whoever those Generation X coaches were, they were in one breath patronizing us, “Congratulations, you did so well", and then in the next breath criticizing us for not working to achieve anything.
The real entitled generation were the Baby Boomers. Back in the 20s and 30’s, it was 100% possible to live off of a minimum wage job. The Baby Boomers lived through one of the biggest periods of economic growth in American history. They enjoyed low energy costs while they destroyed the environment. Social Security, one of the biggest entitlements the government must fund, was created in 1935. Are the millennials benefitting from it? Absolutely not. In fact, odds are we never will because of the refusal to raise the age requirement and the growing number of people cashing in on it. By the time we get to the age where we would be eligible, there will likely be no money left. The older generations need to be reminded of how they tripled the national debt, destroyed the environment, and are now enjoying their government entitlements while the millennials struggle to support themselves while simultaneously cleaning up their mess.
"We're technology-obsessed."
This one might be apt, but it is not necessarily negative. It is a tragedy to see a table of friends at a restaurant fail to lift their eyes from their phones to look at each other. We are still learning how to balance electronic communications with traditional conversation. However, the great things that we are doing with technology cannot be ignored. Smartphone apps are not only meant for entertainment but also for education and self-development. When an iPhone is placed in the hands of a millennial, they may waste all their time playing games like Candy Crush, or they could use the capabilities to learn a secondary language for free with Duolingo or become more financially responsible by saving up for their trip abroad with Qapital.
"We refuse to get married."
In 1960, the average age for woman to get married was 20, today the average age is now 27. The popular belief that the millennial generation is incapable of long term commitment and that they "killed dating" is fair to an extent. We no longer feel the need to marry our high school sweethearts and start a family by the time that we are 20 because we are making a future for ourselves in order to support our children later on, instead of expecting them to struggle along with us. Just because the hook up culture is as popular as ever, but that doesn't mean we refuse to ever get married.
"We're self-absorbed."
Millennials are certainly known for loving themselves. We are expert selfie-takers, Twitter-enthusiasts, and occasionally, Instagram foodies. On all platforms they discuss various aspects of their lives. If anything, we are more authentic than self-absorbed. We are far more interested in following our passions, sharing our experiences, and expressing ourselves than fitting in with anyone's idea of "perfect". This generation is known for completely breaking social norms. We are open to change and accept whatever race, income, style, ethnicity, or gender you are. Quite frankly, if you have an opinion and stand up for it, that's all that matters. After being lied to and advertised to for most of our lives, we’ve learned to detect and despise dishonesty. We simply want people to be honest with us. Our best friends are the ones who are open with us and whom we feel we can trust. We respect people who are straightforward.
Despite all of our shortcomings, we aren't a terrible generation. In fact, we are innovative, creative, open minded, and accepting. We are facing some of history's greatest challenges, but in time the negative connotation associated with millennials will hopefully be replaced with respect for our authenticity, intelligence, and ability to solve the problems. Either way, millennials can and will create the future. It's our turn now.
