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, a reflective essay about the challenges affecting my generation.
I was lucky to grow up in the age of the Internet. As early as 14, I could operate a computer, and my favorite program was Microsoft Paint. However, our kids come across technology from birth. With time, the influx of mobile devices made me discover the Internet and social media. Nowadays, I can also handle complex Graphic Design software.
Challenges Facing the Millennial Generation
Unfortunately, my generation faces the highest levels of unemployment. To make matters worse, those in the labor market work for peanuts – low wages and salaries.
Remember, this generation was 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, sometimes we deal with cyberbullying that breaks us down. Consequently, this leads to poor mental health among millennials.
My Thoughts Regarding Technology
Luckily, technology is with us, though it brings a few problems. It is not strange to find anyone born from the dawn of Gen Y spending many resources on Tech. For instance, social media consumes their time. Someone may also break the bank 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 Millennials
- 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 our talents to survive. This generation comprises talented singers, sophisticated tech experts, intelligent journalists, writers, sportsmen, and diverse content creators.
Parting Shot on My Reflective Essay!
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 our societies – such as corruption, nepotism, tribalism, racism, bullying, and all sorts of discrimination.
I toil to ensure that my kids do not go hungry or encounter the challenges I faced. Ultimately, talents and job creation are our remaining weapons of survival. Every cloud has a silver lining!
Therefore, I would end this reflective essay by encouraging my 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 of it!
If you need a writer or researcher, do not shy away from giving us a gig. Just drop that task on Falcon.
Cheers!
