Life in your 20's

The Fine Line between Childhood and Adulthood.

samesaturday — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:49:11 +0000

I work for a small company comprised of about 30 people. We have 4 offices and I am the youngest full time employee. Yes, at 23 there is no one younger than me. There is one person 3 years older than me and most are too old for me to relate to. I have never had the problem of talking to people who are older than me. I find it more difficult to relate to people my own age at times because our generation is perplexing to say the least. We’re the generation of mind games and the “I just don’t give a shit” attitude. However, we’re also some of the brightest (believe it or not). However, being in this work place, although I love the people, I have somehow gained about 10 moms, 4 olders cousins, an older brother and a father. It has it’s ups and downs. This is where that fine line between childhood and adulthood comes in.

My older coworkers have children of their own that are my age or a little younger so they view me as one of their own. Plus side? They look after me in a good way. Check up on me at my desk to make sure I’m doing alright. Down side? The assumption I don’t know what they’re talking about when making reference to tv shows I grew up with, or the fact that I’m ONLY 23 and have no husband or family of my own. It’s a tricky balance because technically they are my peers in the workplace.

Then there are the older 20-something approaching 30 and the 30 somethings. They are busy planning weddings, getting engaged, picking out china, houses and the like. The plus side? Since I’ve moved back to their area they can tell me about good places for saturday nights out and relate to me about college stories…sort of. The down side? They’re picking out colors, planning for kids and buying homes while I still live at home with my parents and am still trying to figure out if the guy across the bar likes me.

It’s an interesting situation to be in and something they neglect to mention in college during career preparation. It’s all about the interviews, the resume, the networking, but what about the transition? Breaking out of the mold of being “the kid” into the adult you are? As for now I will continue to enjoy the occasional happy hour with my coworkers sipping wine and silently listen as they brag about their kids, bash their husbands and complain about college costs. =)

Health Care Reform- Where are the 18-35 voters?

samesaturday — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:12:47 +0000

I was intrigued to learn that there was an organized “March on Washington 2009″ that took place over the weekend. Health Care is a huge deal in everyone’s lives. Your insurance determines what you can and can’t do and who is covered. There are many people who are enraged and find this new reform to be socialist, communist or whatever buzz-word they can throw out there. I even saw in one news article that someone was taking it to the degree of comparing this administration to Hitler. We’re not at that point people. We’re nowhere near that. I agree something has to be done with health care because let’s face it; there’s not really a system but a dysfunctional grouping of companies that dictate coverage. I can understand the outrage against government spending and the elderly fear of not having certain procedures covered once they hit a certain age.

My question is: WHERE ARE THE 18-35 YEAR OLD VOTERS?? We made such a big deal about having the voice in the election but why does our politics stop their? I am disappointed that more people in this age bracket, especially those in their twenties don’t pay more attention to the news. I’m not saying you have to be glues to the television set 24/7 like some people are but read a variety of news sources, research the issues and then have an intelligent opinion about it. I will be the first to admit that I don’t understand every nuance of that bill the Obama administration is trying to get passed and I’m sure most of those senators don’t either, but I do know that Health care or lack thereof cannot continue this way.

20-somethings, it’s time to wake up! We are the voice that should be heard and we have the numbers to be heard. It’s time to take a stance either for or against. You do realize that those of you in your early twenties are affected by this health care system the most? Once you are no longer a full time student past the age of 18 you are no longer able to be carried by your parents insurance. Once you graduate college, you are no longer covered and many times your new job has a 60 day probation period or longer. This should concern you. Why in such an advance country is there such lapses in coverage? And taking another step forward, why is it that even if you have health care you still can’t afford most medical procedures?

Read, research, learn, take a stance, use your voice.

Don’t Say So Long To Your Parents Just Yet

samesaturday — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 01:14:26 +0000

I’ll never forget my graduation day. I had made it through college and the day had arrived to celebrate. Yes, I remember that cold, wet, rainy day sitting in the middle of the football field with my classmates drenched the bone thinking, “I can’t wait to get out of here”. New York Governor Paterson spoke out our graduation and the one remark I remember from his speech was this, “Go home to your parents. Live with them as long as you can.” Some laughed at this (mostly our parents) and most thought he was crazy.

I fell into that category of “returning to the nest”. New York was too expensive for me to stay in and my parents were willing to let me live at home. In fact, they demanded I did for a few years until I could get on my feet. I thought it would only be for a year. Well, it’s been a year and a half and I’m still here. I have a full time job, but my pay is not enough to allow me to pay off my college loans and live on my own. I felt like it was terrible that I couldn’t be an adult living on my own until I stopped and though about it. Most of my friends still live at home. We’re all well educated, have decent paying jobs, and have been able to save up for things like newer used vehicles but we can’t afford to leave home.

Does this seems odd? Don’t be alarmed. It’s actually becoming the norm. Yes, you too could find yourself living back with your parents. Why? Why is it that when our parents were our age, they could do it? They struck out on their own, held one or more jobs and managed to save up for their dream homes. Today, this is not the case. For starters, most people in their early twenties are holding off on marriage. If they are living “on their own” their doing it with multiple roommates or with substantial parental help.

It’s simple. There are more college students today graduate with debt than ever before. We have large student loans to pay off because college has become unaffordable. Also, the real estate market has become inflated beyond our parents’ imagination. Saving up for a house was once an attainable goal in a short amount of time. Now you have to have a large chunk of cash behind you to even think about putting down any money. That is, if you can find an affordable house. Housing prices have shot through the roof and people aren’t budging on what they believe their houses are worth. Even renting has become near impossible without taking on a roommate.

Through all of this your starting salary out of college has stayed stagnant and the cost of living has risen. The odds are unfortunately against you. After talking with older twenty year olds and others, the number one recommendation is; live at home as long as you can and save your money. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Your parents can help you save some money and create a whole new learning experience as an adult living under your parents’ roof. I have to say, it’s not bad. My suggestion is take a look at the financial facts of living at home versus living at home. If they equal out, then go for it but if your parents are willing to let you get on your feet then it might be worth it. So, don’t say so long to your parents just yet. You will need their support to get you through your transition to adulthood longer than expected.