Be the change: Build society so adults thrive, survive
By Trinity Gonzalez | Toledo resident
Being a young adult in 2024 is truly challenging. Almost every young adult seems to be at a loss on how to manage in today’s society while being completely independent. We are constantly criticized by our elders about being “irresponsible,” with no words of wisdom or guide on how we can improve upon ourselves.
Although financial independence and personal stability are goals for many, the current economic and social landscape has made this transition increasingly difficult.
Young adults are also put down by their peers, as well as other adults, about the fact that more and more of us are still living at home. It has become some unspoken rule over the last few years that if you live at home in your 20s, you are “lazy” or “unmotivated,” when it is more common now than ever before.
Expenses have increased so much in the last few years. Being on your own and paying all your bills is a real struggle for most, not just young adults, but we are expected to be able to do it. We are told how lazy we are, but most of us are working 30+ hours a week while in school and managing to pay some bills.
This is why most of us choose to live at home; it is hard to juggle everything while still trying to build a career, all while learning how the adult world really works. Let’s not forget how overall expense prices keep climbing faster than our wages, making financial independence even harder to reach.
Additionally, inflation has impacted everyday expenses, from groceries to transportation, squeezing budgets and making even basic living costs challenging to manage. Most of us end up working in basic-wage, entry-level jobs, making saving for the future inevitably hard and not matching the rising costs of everyday goods. This usually makes young adults feel inferior and limits our ability to invest in our own long-term plans.
Beyond finances, student loan debt looms large. The cost of higher education has left many with significant debt, which hampers our financial mobility as we start out. Although repayment options exist, the weight of this debt affects choices like renting an apartment, buying a car, or starting a family.
Young adults today are willing and eager to contribute to society and build secure, independent lives, but the economic realities of 2024 make it exceedingly difficult.
Policymakers and communities need to recognize these unique challenges and work to create affordable housing, provide economic support, and consider debt relief measures to help young adults achieve financial independence.
We aren’t looking for handouts, just a fair chance to thrive. Let us all be the change and help create a society where young adults can thrive, not just survive.
