Becoming an Adult and Prior Generation interactions

Is adulthood defined by turning 18? By getting an ID or a driver’s license? By paying bills or accumulating debt? To me, none of these capture the essence of being an adult. Adulthood often feels like giving up the joys and games of childhood to embrace the monotonous grind of responsibilities. It’s about waking up early, working long hours for insufficient pay, and struggling to cover even basic expenses in today’s economy—let alone affording the luxuries or hobbies we once dreamed of.

For those who pursue higher education, the challenges don’t disappear. Unless you’re extremely wealthy or underprivileged enough to qualify for full financial aid, you’re likely to incur significant student debt. This debt can either force you to drop out or burden you so heavily after graduation that the degree itself feels meaningless. Meanwhile, society often judges us as failures, ignoring the vastly different economic and social landscapes we face compared to previous generations. Older generations had opportunities in a more robust economy, akin to fertile land for planting. In contrast, our generation must work tirelessly to transform a barren sandbox into something productive. Yet, despite these challenges, Gen Z is labeled as weak and lazy. Why?

The Gen Z Experience

Gen Z is unlike any generation before us. We were raised in an era of unprecedented connectivity, shaped by innovations like Xbox Live chats, social media platforms, and smartphones. This technological immersion has made us more adept at navigating the digital world, fostering connections on platforms like Discord and other online communities. Ironically, these tools were created by the very generations that now criticize us for using them. We’re often labeled as overly dependent on technology, socially inept, or unable to function in traditional societal spaces.

For many of us, those spaces never felt safe or inclusive. Neurodivergent individuals—whether autistic, living with ADHD, or even identifying as LGBTQ+—found solace in the online world, where differences were more accepted. Gen Z grew up in a time when society was only beginning to embrace diversity and acknowledge the struggles of marginalized groups. While this openness has empowered us, it has also made it challenging to integrate seamlessly into a society still dominated by outdated norms and resistance to change.

Generational Disconnect

However, we also bear some responsibility for the tension between generations. Some among us are unwilling to compromise or collaborate with older generations, choosing instead to place blame for everything wrong in our lives. This mindset is counterproductive. While Gen Z is a free-spirited and innovative generation, our refusal to engage with the wisdom of those before us can hinder our growth.

I’ve seen this firsthand. A friend of mine pushed away everyone who tried to help him—including his own mother—because he didn’t want to listen to advice. This highlights a broader issue I call the generational stigma: a mutual distrust and lack of respect between age groups. Older generations often dismiss the younger as naïve or irresponsible, while younger generations view their predecessors as outdated and controlling. Both sides have valid points, but this adversarial approach only deepens the divide.

Moving Forward Together

To bridge this gap, we must prioritize open and fair discussions between generations. Older generations need to acknowledge that the opportunities available to them were vastly different from those available to us. At the same time, younger generations must recognize that there is value in the experiences and knowledge of those who came before us.

Society must move away from the false narrative that failure to succeed is simply a “skill issue.” The economic and social landscapes have changed dramatically, and expecting younger generations to thrive under outdated standards is both unrealistic and unfair. Instead, we should work together to create an environment where all generations can support and uplift each other.

Let’s focus on fostering a version of adulthood that balances responsibility with humanity. We can encourage future generations to embrace adult responsibilities without losing their individuality and creativity. Let’s stop treating the next generation as mere workers, and instead honor their potential. By building mutual respect and collaboration across generations, we can create a brighter and more equitable future for all.