Poignant piece by the New York Times

Check out this article from the New York Times:

For a New Generation, an Elusive American Dream

This is an article about Scott Nicholson, a recent college graduate with a liberal arts degree from Colgate, who is trying to find a job. He finds it difficult. He’s picky about the kind of job he’s willing to work but he has the means and the support of his family to stick to the search for something great. The article really plays up the differences each generation (Scott, his father, and his grandfather) dealt with when finding that first job. Apparently millennials, those of us age 18-29, are very optimistic now (because of our nurturing boomer parents) but we will make safe moves for the rest of our careers and earn 8-10 percent less. We are more risk-averse than other generations. We would rather have a steady job than take a better paying job that might not pan out in the long term. I don’t know what exactly the journalist is trying to say with this title. My American dream isn’t to become rich and famous, its to live a happy life where I’m able to support myself and do the things I love to do.

But back to the meat and potatoes of the article. At first I draw some similarities to Scott and myself. We both have supportive families, we both did well in school, we both expect a lot from ourselves, and we both think that things will turn out for the best in the future. But then I really got to thinking and there are a lot differences. For example, my family won’t support me financially for two years out of school. No way! I would much rather find financial independence. One of the many reasons I graduated early is due to my desire to live on my own, on my own terms. Like Scott, when my apartment sublet agreement ends August 31st, I will try not to move home. I’m hoping to have something lined up by the first week of August but in the job search, its not all up to me. I would move home if I had something lined up for the winter and there was a set timeline for me being there. For example, if I work the winter season at a resort, I would move home for September- November and then start work in late November. I would certainly save money that way and I could live at home for two and half months without going crazy. But honestly, I don’t think my family would want me home for even that long though (haha). I would try to find a short term job during that time too. If it comes down to mid-August and I don’t have a job lined up, I’ll set my sights on the mountains. I’ll reassess when that time comes.

While Scott is holding out for a big corporate gig that will put him on a career track, I expect to bounce around a bit in the beginning. I want to spend 2-3 years working at a particular job. That’s enough time to dig in and really form an opinion. In the U.S. cradle to grave doesn’t exist much anymore so it is a normal path to bounce around to gain experience.

Basically, what I got out of this article is that not much has changed since 2008. It’s discouraging, but I will continue work hard and to differentiate myself. Thankfully, some employers have gotten back to me and I’m scoring some interviews. Wish me luck!