Shout out to all the 20-somethings who have been told that this decade is supposed to be the prime of their lives and are instead struggling really hard.
Some of us can’t get a job, even with a college degree.
Some of us couldn’t go to college or finish college because of all the shit we’re going through, and our opportunities have been limited by that.
Some of us have jobs and still can’t afford to live.
Some of us are too broke to go out and have fun.
Some of us are too broke to settle down.
Some of us are managing mental health problems.
Some of us have disabilities that make every day tougher to get through.
Some of us are dealing with loss, grief, and disappointment.
Some of us are just now figuring out who we are and are dealing with the repercussions of finally expressing that to others.
Some of us are learning that the society we live in is functioning in a way that puts us at a huge disadvantage.
And I want you to know that you don’t have to have all the answers or know what you’re doing with your life even though there’s so much pressure to do so.
We’re being told at this point to go to college, get a job, get a house, get married, and have kids.
Some of us don’t want or can’t do any of those things, and the expectations for when or if these things are supposed to happen can feel like a giant weight on your shoulders.
There’s no one-size fits all linear path for every person.
Just take everything one day at a time and do whatever you can to ensure your own happiness regardless of what others say you should be doing.
You matter even if others make you feel like you aren’t who they want you to be.
Your life matters even if others tell you that you aren’t living it how you should be.
These may not be the best years of your life, and you may have only known struggling for all of your previous years.
I think there comes a point when you have to fight back against what you’ve been told and tell yourself that who you are and how you’re managing your life is good enough for you.