F*ck! I’m in my 20s, too!

So this post is inspired by an article I read in the popular Australian magazine, Cleo, talking about the cons of being in your 20s and also by a friend I recently just caught up with. And if there are people in their 30s, 40s 50s and so forth thinking, “what is this girl on about?” let me help you out here.

So, 20 or so years ago (even longer than that), some of the jobs and careers that the older generation have had for years now require my generation to study for 2-4 years to even break into. Now, some people I know, as well as myself have some relatives that are very persistent in thinking that we, as Gen Y, are lazy and haven’t accomplished half as much as they have when they were our age. And you know what? That may be true about accomplishments but still, that’s unfair and here’s why!

Altogether after high school I’ve accumulated four years of study. So far I’ve got one degree and another on its way after another year or so will I finally be completed with studies (I’ll be 24). Now with the new technologies and price of living these days, how are we, as a generation supposed to focus on our studying (to get jobs that were easier to access 20 years ago), also have to go up against technology and live with the fear that it may take over your job role, (yes! the machines may as well be running the world), work a low income job to try and save for a car, laptop etc? Since when has studying been easy, or fun? Having the added pressure of disappointment from family doesn’t make it any easier or bearable. Part of the reason we are studying so much is to please you!

I know a lot of people in their 20s (being in my 20s myself), are struggling to find themselves, deal with studies, please family even though the constant pestering of “why haven’t you done anything with your life yet?” crap, save for a car, work for minimum wage and be chastised for wanting to go out on the weekends or go on holidays. Since when has having some you time so bad. Besides, it’s not like you were on that show, “16 and Pregnant”. You’re studying to make good money in the future, so, stop being so hard on us!

I’m not dissing the older crowd, or relatives of my friends and also my own family, but think to yourself, if you had to live in this day and age as a Gen Y  20-something year old, with the credits you have to your name now, you wouldn’t be as far ahead as you think you would be. Take it easier on the younger generation, if they’re not doing anything academia-wise or working towards getting a trainee-ship etc, fair enough get on their case about stuff, but don’t hassle the ones that are trying to make it in a world that has evolved into something like the Hunger Games for a good job—and I mean it, it can get pretty brutal out there.

For those in their 20s suffering the same pressures from their family, hang in there, you’re not the only ones! Know that you’re going through this together with people just like you. And one day you’ll look back and know you did an amazing job. Being in your 20s sucks sometimes, but it doesn’t mean it has to suck the entire time. You might be poor, but you’re fabulous!