Recently updated on: September 23, 2023
For Millennials, born between 1981 - 1996, there has been a slow divergence between our mindsets and our parent's generation. We can observe this from our views, opinions, and lifestyle, and how many things have changed since thirty years ago.
While there are many possible reasons, we cannot be entirely sure. Still, I guess access to information and the Internet significantly contributed to it.
Below are some of the things that changed.
Table of Contents
1. On Getting Married Before 30
It is common to hear that we should get married before 30, which has been the conventional wisdom for the longest time.
However, the younger generations of millennials beg to differ. More and more are delaying getting married.
Some common reasons for delaying marriage are career progression and other opportunities, financial responsibilities or personal goals, and, more importantly, finding the one to marry or deciding to stay single.
2. On Having Children
In the olden days, it is not uncommon to have a dozen children. My Sociology teacher once said, and I can also attest, that because many families were in the farming industry decades ago, having more children means more helping hands.
However, because younger people, especially the millennials, are now in other industries and are also delaying marriage, they also delay having children. They also have fewer children than the previous generations.
Now, a common piece of advice is that children should never be in their parent's retirement fund. So, to break that cycle, there should be a conscious decision to do the right things today to enjoy a better tomorrow, not just for ourselves but also our families.
3. On Job And Passion
For millennials, jobs are no longer just a means to put food on the plate.
Jobs are now seen as a way to do fulfilling work with a societal impact, meaning, and personal satisfaction.
Some people would even choose a lower-paying job they enjoy and serve a higher purpose than working in a higher-paying but soul-sucking corporate or government job.
More people are also tapping into their other passions and talents. Thanks to YouTube, Facebook, and the Internet, more work options exist now than 20 years ago.
YouTubers, Mobile Games and Music Streamers, and Online Freelancers are now full-time jobs, which we may never have imagined ten years ago.
Also, with artificial intelligence as the biggest threat in the future of jobs, we need to be more creative on how we will adapt.
4. On Buying A House
Though a house is still one of the main goals of many younger people, the reality is it is much, much more expensive today than 20 years ago.
Some people would choose to rent a house rather than buy their own because they don't want to be "stuck" in one place.
More millennials want the ability to move from one city to another without the hassle of selling their house.
Personally, I would choose to rent for now rather than buy a house immediately. Instead of paying for high-interest mortgage payments, I can invest that money and get a more significant upside.
5. On Buying A Car And Other Big-Ticket Items
Like a house, a car is one of the lifestyle upgrades that the older generation buys to show "success."
Though there are still valid reasons people buy a car, like for commuting and business, it can also be a liability instead of an asset.
Because of Uber and Grab and the future of autonomous vehicles, driving cars may be a thing of the past.
Another thing is more millennials are finding alternatives to cars, such as bicycles, to help reduce carbon emissions and help our environment.
Like a car, other luxury items, like gadgets, clothing, and appliances, should never be bought to show a sense of accomplishment. Always choose function over fashion.
Here are some of the considerations when deciding to buy a big-ticket item.
6. On Education And Degrees
Education is transforming right before our very eyes. College degrees are starting to be less significant than 20 years ago.
More companies, such as Google, hire people based on their skills rather than their diplomas.
Online and distance education systems, boot camps to fast-track skills enhancement, and the Internet are just ways our education system will change in the future.
With automation and artificial intelligence, the educational system must adapt rapidly or be left out.
Try to check willrobotstakemyjob.com to see predictions of the future of work.
7. On Mental Health
Mental health has always been taboo in the past, which is still visible today due to the stigma of people consulting mental health professionals.
However, millennials and Gen Zs are now more comfortable discussing their mental health and finding ways to help each other.
Eventually, the subject of depression, anxiety, and other mental-related illnesses will be viewed just like physical illnesses without any judgment.
8. On Success
Before, the primary determinant of success was how much money you had in the bank, how big your house was, how fancy the car you drove, or how latest your devices were.
Fortunately, today, success is becoming more personal, especially for millennials. How you determine success is entirely your own.
Define your own success. Don't let the previous generation transfer the burden of living up to society's standard, which will keep you trapped in the Rat Race. Escape.
Final Thought
The generational gap between the Boomers and Millennials can also be true with the gap between the Millenials, Gen Z, and the succeeding generations.
The goal is to do better than the previous generation, learn from their mistakes, and change for the better.
Through that, we can leave the world slightly better than we inherited. May we be the salt and light in this world and glorify God.