Reality check: Is this the hardest time ever to grow up?

Going4TheDream

I think the following - it was pretty pants in the 70's - and the 80's were rather frightful for some- the 90's were a bit scary in some parts I seem to remember, most of the Noughties were pretty good but the country was drunk on cheap credit so was it really real? and in the 10's we are all up against it one way or another and paying for the Noughties whether we indulged or not.

I think its fair to say that all generations of young people have faced challenges but historically there was a sense of wanting to achieve goals ,by working low paid jobs and making sacrifices, staying with parents to save up for house, not having holidays, the latest music, nights out or fashion etc

This generation have been probably the most cosseted and over indulged of all, they want it all and they want it now but a very large number don't seem to want to sacrifice anything to get it.

Kennyboy66

If we are looking just at the 16 - 24 age group, I don't think we are anywhere near as bad as things were in 1981 under Thatcher.

Only something like 10% of school leavers had the option of going to University at the time, now around about 40% of people are able to go such is the expansion of higher education.

I see friends children going to University in their home city and rather than live at home like my mates did, they go into halls of residence, spending close to £5k a year. The halls are approx. 2 miles from their parents home. In all cases their parents while understanding that they might have a bit more fun in a hall, would be happy to have them at home.

If I was young and struggling to find work in the UK, I'd go and spend a couple of years in Oz or NZ working.

lynzpower

Kennyboy66 wrote: »

If we are looking just at the 16 - 24 age group, I don't think we are anywhere near as bad as things were in 1981 under Thatcher.

Only something like 10% of school leavers had the option of going to University at the time, now around about 40% of people are able to go such is the expansion of higher education.

I see friends children going to University in their home city and rather than live at home like my mates did, they go into halls of residence, spending close to £5k a year. The halls are approx. 2 miles from their parents home. In all cases their parents while understanding that they might have a bit more fun in a hall, would be happy to have them at home.

Paying back student loans is depressing.

And thats without these all new higher fees, higher interest charges etc etc.

IveSeenTheLight

Carl31 wrote: »

I find it quite laughable that youths quality of life is guaged on whether they can buy a house or not

Go to a country riddled in famine, disease and low mortality rates and cry about not being able to buy a house, its not exactly hardship, it sounds a bit spoilt if anything

ok, things arent ideal, but theres plenty of options in this country to get a roof over your head

Well said.
Other countries aside, there are still people alive who will provide testimony that life is far easier now than it was in years gone by,

People should try reading about it. I recall reading Angela's ashes about poverty and determination to get through life despite the cards they had been dealt.