As the older members of the millennial generation approach middle age (including myself), New York Times writer Jessica Grosse decided it would be a good time to check in and see how they are. The good news is that few of them are experiencing the typical midlife crisis that hits people at this age. The bad news is that this is mainly the result of their whole life being a crisis.
If that sounds melodramatic, that’s because it is — being raised on Harry Potter, superhero movies, and mocha frappuccinos, we millennials aren’t exactly known for nuance or subtlety. Nevertheless, there are good reasons to be concerned about the millennial generation.
More millennials than older generations report being lonely, anxious, and depressed. Fewer of them attend church or participate in any civic organizations. And many of them have opted out of marriage and having children, leading many to predict a demographic crash across the developed world in the coming decades.
According to Grosse, most of this generational malaise is attributable to economics. Beginning her essay with the story of 40-year-old Caitlin Dunham, Grosse tries to illustrate how the millennials have had a rough time throughout their decades.
Dunham entered college during the dot-com bubble and accumulated massive debt. Then she and her husband bought their first house right before the 2008 recession, losing more money. Finally, right as they were succeeding in their professions, Covid upended their lives and forced them to move. She concludes, “My whole adult
