Millennial, Generation Y, or Gen Y refers to anyone born between 1981 and 1996. Most of them are the children of Generation X (Baby Boomers). I am a millennial, and this is my story (reflective essay) about the challenges affecting Gen Y.
I was lucky to grow up in the age of the Internet. At 14 years old, I could operate a computer, and my favorite program was Microsoft Paint. However, our kids access technology at a very tender age.
With time, the influx of mobile devices made me discover the Internet. Eventually, I started using social media in mid-2009.
Challenges Facing Generation Y
Unfortunately, my generation is battling with the highest levels of unemployment. To make matters worse, those in the labor market work for low wages and salaries.
Remember, this generation was also affected by two recessions – the Great Recession from late 2007 to 2009 and the 2020 Recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other negative factors that affect my age mates are:
- College Debt
- Crime
- Sex and Substance Abuse
- The effects of HIV/AIDS
- Discrimination
- Inflation and tough economic times
- National debt
- Mental health issues, and
- Bullying
Although we love social media, we often encounter cyberbullying. That really breaks us down! Consequently, it contributes to poor mental health among millennials.
My Thoughts about Technology
Luckily, technology is with us, though it brings a few problems. It is not strange to find millennials spending limitless resources on Tech. For instance, social media consumes a lot of their time. Someone may break the bank just to buy a digital asset like an iPhone!
Personally, Tech has transformed me. I’d rather spend time blogging, programming, writing, designing something, or creating content than engaging in substance abuse.
Interesting facts About the Millenials
- They are becoming bolder and more enlightened in making stout decisions. We have risen to challenge the status quo affecting social, political, religious, cultural, and economic affairs.
- Generation Y members have fewer children – we were born when the world started facing a drop in fertility rates.
- Most of us are the parents of Generation Alpha (kids born from 2010 toward the 2020s).
- Our predecessors often refer to us as the entitled ones – they believe computers make our lives easier and more convenient.
- Millennials are very gifted! Most of us use talents to survive. This generation has talented singers, sophisticated tech experts, intelligent journalists, writers, sportsmen, and many content creators.
Parting Shot!
Every day I wake up believing that tomorrow will be a better day. As a Gen Y comrade, I have lived to witness a lot of vices in society – such as corruption, nepotism, tribalism, racism, bullying, and all sorts of discrimination.
I toil to ensure that my kids do not go hungry or meet the challenges millennials are facing. Ultimately, talents and job creation are the only weapons of survival left. Every cloud has a silver lining!
Therefore, I would end this reflective essay by encouraging fellow age mates to keep fighting. I understand depression is wrecking apart my generation, but we must press on. Regardless of how bad the situation might seem, there is always some good aspect to it!
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Cheers!