A recurring theme of this blog is the widening gap between Baby Boomers and Millennials in terms of wealth distribution and cultural inheritance. The data paints a stark picture: Baby Boomers, through a combination of historical windfalls and economic expansion, have accumulated unprecedented wealth, wielding significant power and influence that shapes the trajectory of society. Meanwhile, Millennials, often burdened with student debt and stagnant wages, find themselves struggling to attain the same financial stability and sense of security.
Don’t believe me? Just look at Baby Boomers’ net worth compared to Millennials’. 1980s Boomers were seven times wealthier than Millennials today. Moreover, the concentration of wealth among older generations has skyrocketed, with Baby Boomers now commanding nearly 60% of total US wealth. This economic imbalance not only impacts financial well-being but also plays a pivotal role in shaping each generation’s life path.
Compounding this economic divide is a broader crisis of identity and purpose among Millennials. That disillusionment is broadening and deepending as Millennials near middle age. Raised on the promises of boundless opportunity and meritocracy, fueled by media narratives of limitless potential, many Millennials find themselves blindsidsed upon entering the workforce.
Being raised with the participation trophy slogan “You can be anything you want!” in a world where people’s value is measured by what they produce created a perfect storm of mixed messages. Their contradictory formation set up Millennials for a rude awakening when faced with the real world. This clash between idealized notions and the facts on the ground has left Millennials existentially disorientated and unfulfilled. Boomers sowed the wind. Millennials are reapig the whirlwind.
Related: Millennials’ Generational Poverty
It’s no help that Pop Cult litanies about equity and diversity paper over disparities in ability. This generational gaslighting has ignited a crisis of self-worth, especially among Millennial men, who feel sidelined in a society that extols women at their expense.
As Millennials near middle age, these building pressures manifest as a multitude of disorders from rising depression rates to social erosion. 2016 marked a significant uptick in Millennial depression, reflecting a profound sense of disillusionment with their personal prospects and society’s instittuions.
Related: Millennials: Depressed and Disordered
So, what is the path forward for Millennials grappling with these crises of identity and meaning? It begins with a reevaluation of our priorities as a culture. Embracing humility—recognizing the truth about our abilities and limitations—is crucial to navigating the mine field of Current Year life. Wisdom, an honest appraisal of reality, offers a compass for aligning dreams with achievable goals.
And instead of generations being at each others’ throats, we desperately need some solidarity. Older generations, particularly Gen X and Gen Y, play a pivotal role in guiding and supporting Millennials through these tumultuous times. By sharing wisdom, providing mentorship, and fostering virtue, older cohorts can help bridge the gap between illusion and reality.
The path to reclaiming identity and meaning is paved with virtues that transcend generational divides. As Millennials confront the challenges of approaching middle age in a faltering cluture, they must seek support from their elder brethren. And one of the best places to do that is in the Mystical Body of the Church.
Because with economic collapse and social disintegration making success in Boomer terms obsolete, Millennials must redefine fulfillment. Twentieth century fables of instant gratification and effortless achievement must give way to embracing struggle and yes, suffering. For the indefinite future, progress will be incremental, requiring resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from setbacks instead of dreading failure.
Related: How We Can Help Millennials
But every crisis presents an opportunity, and this one invites Millennials to shake off the hangover from the twentieth century. Instead of fixating on material wealth, Millennials are increasingly drawn to meaningful work, authentic relationships, and peer solidarity. That’s a foundation we can build on.
Which is good, because intergenerational dialogue is critical to passing on the good of the world that’s passing away and warning of its past mistakes. By leveraging the wisdom and experiences of older generations, Millennials can discover authentic purpose amid all this uncertainty. Meanwhile, older cohorts have much to gain from younger folks’ fresh perspectives and innovative thinking. We joke about Boomer tech, but failing to keep up with the rapidly evolving—and devolving—state of technology is a great way to lose.
At its core, the quest for identity and meaning transcends economic metrics and inherited expectations. It’s a voyage of self-discovery whereby we discover who God made us to be and cooperate to let Him shape us. Millennials must embrace the new challenges of Current Year adulthood as opportunities for growth.
As Millennials near middle age, the time is ripe for introspection and reevaluation. By embracing humility, wisdom, and fortitude, they can chart a course toward more fulfilling and purposeful lives.
The crises of identity and meaning faced by Millennials approaching middle age are complex, with myriad overlapping causes. They stem from economic disparities, societal pressures, and a shifting cultural landscape. However, these challenges also present chances for growth, reflection, and transformation; even holiness.
While they may be reaping the cultural whirlwind, it’s always worth remembering that a whirlwind carried Elijah up to Heaven.
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