The Problems 20-Somethings Face Today
10 Feb
Some time ago I came across an article about the 20 somethings of today dubbed the “emerging adult”.
Since I am 20 something, this article struck a chord in me. I don’t I have ever finished reading 10 pages from the New York Times before haha.
The article takes a deep look at the psychology of this generation. The lack of direction. The longer its taking for youths to grow up. The pressure to grow up. Etc.
Based on another article I found here, these are roughly the 10 signs that you are a 20-something.
10. You take the phrase “permanent residence” lightly.
NYT says: One-third of people in their 20s move to a new address every year.
I do take permanent residence lightly. Over the last 5 years I have shifted residences about 5-6 times now. Not including the number of times I shifted dorms when I was in UK. After the 3rd time, I owned less and less things, leaving my past behind. If you asked me to pack my bags and leave now, I am ready to leave everything behind.
9. You feel like you’re in a second adolescence.
Second? More like prolonged adolescence. But I think I am slowly growing out of it.
8. You’ve cohabited — or considered it. Getting hitched is not your top priority.
NYT says: Two-thirds of 20-somethings spend at least some time living with a romantic partner without being married.
Cohabited for years and getting hitched is definitely not priority! Just at lunch, someone asked me whether I was married. I gave a look and my friend said “What is with that look! It’s like you are disgusted about the idea”
7. You can practically recite the script at H.R. orientations. (Multiple job changes)
NYT says: Twentysomethings go through an average of seven jobs, more job changes than in any other stretch of life.
Oh yeah. 5 in 5 years
6. You’ve considered moving home to live with your parents — or currently do.
NYT says: Forty percent of 20-somethings move back home with their parents at least once.
I guess technically I did because I am staying with my brothers now. But it was more like they came to stay with me. So I’m not too sure about this one. Bottom line – I’m staying with my family/dad now.
5. Sometimes you react, then think
Yes Sir
4. You’re still on the parental payroll.
No but I sure wish I could! If my mom was still around, I have a this sneaky feeling I would.
3. You consider all your life options still open.
NYT says: During the period he calls emerging adulthood, Arnett says that young men and women are more self-focused than at any other time of life, less certain about the future and yet also more optimistic, no matter what their economic background. This is where the “sense of possibilities” comes in, he says; they have not yet tempered their idealistic visions of what awaits.
This can’t be more true. Although everything is very uncertain for me now, I still believe one day something will click and I will only get better from there.
2. You secretly crave a year to live out your own “Eat, Pray, Love” fantasy.
Yes 
I have thought about it. Just leaving everything, everyone behind and going out on my own to see the world.
I have thought about it. Just leaving everything, everyone behind and going out on my own to see the world.1. Your friends are as confused by where their lives are going as you are.
Plenty. Even those that I thought were certain about their future seem to crack every now and then.
Which comes to my favourite paragraph from the article.
“It’s somewhat terrifying,” writes a 25-year-old named Jennifer, “to think about all the things I’m supposed to be doing in order to ‘get somewhere’ successful: ‘Follow your passions, live your dreams, take risks, network with the right people, find mentors, be financially responsible, volunteer, work, think about or go to grad school, fall in love and maintain personal well-being, mental health and nutrition.’ When is there time to just be and enjoy?”
Adds a 24-year-old from Virginia:
“There is pressure to make decisions that will form the foundation for the rest of your life in your 20s. It’s almost as if having a range of limited options would be easier.”
Are you 20-something and feeling the pressure?
