My generation and the American Dream
Now, most of us (particularly those who procrastinate by way of reading blogs) are fully integrated into the "real world". The real world, narrowly defined, largely consists of having a job. To be more specific, it means having a career. It seems, however, that no generation has been more averse to joining the "real world" than my own.
There exist vast swaths of the 22-34 population that has never really had a career. Eschewing the concept of the American dream, or perhaps terrified that they are charting a course from which there is no return, they stubbornly refuse to do certain jobs, or devote themselves to finding jobs that suitably match their abilities.
Some have opted to advance their education. Given that college has apparently been relieved of any responsibility to prepare students for anything that can earn a paycheck, this is seldom a career-minded mover. Others have opted to join programs that offer them a miserable stipend for menial labor, accompanied by the opportunity to go some place reasonably exotic. Some have cut out the middle-man, simply spending their own (or their parents, or MBNA's) money to go exploring.
Among those who do seek work, a goodly number find work that identifies with their activist leanings, or puts them in a situation where they are, ostensibly, helping people. They work for what I would call the "white collar minimum" (about $26-30k a year in Minnesota), and compete fiercely among themselves for jobs in social work, tutoring, environmental activism, etc... For many, the competition for these jobs is so intense that it actually sends them back to school. Ironically, they often go to pick up a degree that has not tangible relationship to their desired job placement in the first place (hello, Peace Studies).
So we have a generation of heavily travelled, hyper-educated men and women who are functionally destitute. They may hide their poverty behind a facade of self-fulfillment, but many people are reaching their 30s with no credible ability to, say, raise a family. Contrast this with the other end of the spectrum: Career-minded, investment-savvy types who latch onto careers, buy houses, and invest heavily in their 401k. Indeed, in spite of the restlessness of our peers, our generation is known for getting ahead of the game in preparing for the future.
If these characterization seem unfair, it is because I wholeheartedly embrace the later route. The idea of bouncing around the globe incessantly, or expensively educating myself has never held much appeal. Among those who do boast advanced degrees, I see precious little evidence that they are better for it. Those who have traversed Europe seldom bring a cultural sensibility that would bespeak their travels.
It seems, honestly, that these activities serve the purpose of delaying the inevitable. While I can understand this impulse, I have never understood this quandary related to establishing a path in life. There are several reasons for this. I can't say that I have ever really had the luxury. I grew up poor, and cannot see these actions for anything more than the expensive indulgences they are. As a Christian, I have every confidence that heaven will provide unimaginably opportunities for inner and outer exploration. Studying in Los Angeles and Melbourne probably assuaged the urge to travel.
First and foremost, however, I have seen the ravages of this transient lifestyle. I saw my parents, health failing, reaching into credit card debt to fill prescriptions, working lousy jobs to pay the mortgage, and retiring with no financial security. I grew up with no stability as a child, living in 9 different houses by the time I was 6 years old. I felt like a Gypsy.
In fact, I am forced to wonder what will happen to the preponderance of those who steadfastly refuse to "settle down". Sure, some will come to their senses. Others are (frankly) living off their parents' hard work. But there will come a time when recess will be over, and those folks will want their bite of the american pie, trying to save for the future, raise kids, and pay off six figure debts simultaneously.
Can our economy handle this burden? Will our government create a de facto bailout in the form of debt amnesty for college loans, and grants for those who came late to the retirement game? Will those of us who have foregone the pleasures of the ten year vacation be forced to subsidized those who eagerly indulged. I hope not.
Further, what of the character of our workforce? Will those who were dragged to the mat kicking and screaming become the thought leaders and entreprenuers that sustain an economy? Will we lose out, yet again, to our harder working compatriots in Asia? Can a society comprised of such a broad leisure class remain productive? The example of some European countries suggests the answer is a resounding "no".
There is no problem with pursuing an advanced degree, or taking some time to travel and "find yourself" or whatever... But what happens to the American dream when nobody is there to dream it?
There exist vast swaths of the 22-34 population that has never really had a career. Eschewing the concept of the American dream, or perhaps terrified that they are charting a course from which there is no return, they stubbornly refuse to do certain jobs, or devote themselves to finding jobs that suitably match their abilities.
Some have opted to advance their education. Given that college has apparently been relieved of any responsibility to prepare students for anything that can earn a paycheck, this is seldom a career-minded mover. Others have opted to join programs that offer them a miserable stipend for menial labor, accompanied by the opportunity to go some place reasonably exotic. Some have cut out the middle-man, simply spending their own (or their parents, or MBNA's) money to go exploring.
Among those who do seek work, a goodly number find work that identifies with their activist leanings, or puts them in a situation where they are, ostensibly, helping people. They work for what I would call the "white collar minimum" (about $26-30k a year in Minnesota), and compete fiercely among themselves for jobs in social work, tutoring, environmental activism, etc... For many, the competition for these jobs is so intense that it actually sends them back to school. Ironically, they often go to pick up a degree that has not tangible relationship to their desired job placement in the first place (hello, Peace Studies).
So we have a generation of heavily travelled, hyper-educated men and women who are functionally destitute. They may hide their poverty behind a facade of self-fulfillment, but many people are reaching their 30s with no credible ability to, say, raise a family. Contrast this with the other end of the spectrum: Career-minded, investment-savvy types who latch onto careers, buy houses, and invest heavily in their 401k. Indeed, in spite of the restlessness of our peers, our generation is known for getting ahead of the game in preparing for the future.
If these characterization seem unfair, it is because I wholeheartedly embrace the later route. The idea of bouncing around the globe incessantly, or expensively educating myself has never held much appeal. Among those who do boast advanced degrees, I see precious little evidence that they are better for it. Those who have traversed Europe seldom bring a cultural sensibility that would bespeak their travels.
It seems, honestly, that these activities serve the purpose of delaying the inevitable. While I can understand this impulse, I have never understood this quandary related to establishing a path in life. There are several reasons for this. I can't say that I have ever really had the luxury. I grew up poor, and cannot see these actions for anything more than the expensive indulgences they are. As a Christian, I have every confidence that heaven will provide unimaginably opportunities for inner and outer exploration. Studying in Los Angeles and Melbourne probably assuaged the urge to travel.
First and foremost, however, I have seen the ravages of this transient lifestyle. I saw my parents, health failing, reaching into credit card debt to fill prescriptions, working lousy jobs to pay the mortgage, and retiring with no financial security. I grew up with no stability as a child, living in 9 different houses by the time I was 6 years old. I felt like a Gypsy.
In fact, I am forced to wonder what will happen to the preponderance of those who steadfastly refuse to "settle down". Sure, some will come to their senses. Others are (frankly) living off their parents' hard work. But there will come a time when recess will be over, and those folks will want their bite of the american pie, trying to save for the future, raise kids, and pay off six figure debts simultaneously.
Can our economy handle this burden? Will our government create a de facto bailout in the form of debt amnesty for college loans, and grants for those who came late to the retirement game? Will those of us who have foregone the pleasures of the ten year vacation be forced to subsidized those who eagerly indulged. I hope not.
Further, what of the character of our workforce? Will those who were dragged to the mat kicking and screaming become the thought leaders and entreprenuers that sustain an economy? Will we lose out, yet again, to our harder working compatriots in Asia? Can a society comprised of such a broad leisure class remain productive? The example of some European countries suggests the answer is a resounding "no".
There is no problem with pursuing an advanced degree, or taking some time to travel and "find yourself" or whatever... But what happens to the American dream when nobody is there to dream it?
posted by Kevin Sawyer | 1:38 PM | 11 comments
