Recently, there has been a great deal of research into the new phenomenon called "adultolescense" (as if it's a real thing). Obviously coming from a fusion of "adolescent" and "adult" implying that there are some people in my generation who while fit the biological criteria of adulthood, haven't matured and taken on adult-like lifestyles. The Wall Street Journal wrote of this as being something more popular among men then women in an article coyly title "Where have all the good men gone?"
Essentially, the typical "adultolescent" suffers from Peter Pan syndrome (as articulated from the Huffington Post) where they live outside of time and responsibility. It's as if they know they should grow up, but why? College life is fun, so why stop after college?
After doing some more reading, I became more and more bothered. Many would complain that these adults are overeducated and under-qualified for the jobs they take on and further, aren't using their time and resources effectively. Strange how someone with a PHD in Psychology could find the time to research a less popular demographic (as mentioned by the Huffington Posts initial article) who doesn't use their time wisely.
Perhaps more could be done by those with PHD's to serve the community of young adults rather than creating a straw-man caricature of "generation y."
In any case, I struggle with this silly title because the article is rather popular and the idea is frustratingly pervasive. Yes, I have a beard, so I appear to be a hipster. Yes, I am socially liberal, and prefer Pabst Blue Ribbon over some overly priced and equally over seasoned microbrew. However, when I drag myself out of bed each morning at 5 'o clock to get to my job each morning, I don't have any urge to succumb to my Peter Pan syndrome and fly instead of driving my car.
Frankly, I don't understand the sensationalism in such a minute demographic. Being labeled as unmotivated because of the year in which I was born is a bit too much for me to not be phased by.
Luckily, this sensationalism of the stereotypical stoner is surpassed by the incredible ability of my generation. We are entering the workplace with fresh ideas, humility for superiors, and a work-ethic which pulls us into our jobs even after St. Patty's Day because we knew better than partying the night before like we are free of obligation. More of the people I have met my age hold down jobs which merit their education, pay their bills (on time), and do work at home even after they leave the office (gasp!).
I don't wish to make this sound like I'm tooting my own horn. I still have the immature neuroses which I believe stifle my true potential as an adult. The purpose of the post is to praise those who are bringing our generation a good name.
So here's to you; young men and women who moved out simply to be on their own. Raise your glasses, which during the workweek contains the only beer you'll drink that night. Make merry, for you are celebrating adulthood, on the weekends because you have work on Monday and you need to bring your best stuff in with you. "Adultolescence" is an archetype of the older generations construction to rationalize a few unmotivated potential titans.
The good news is that while the paradigm is one of another's construction, we can be the ones to bring it crashing down with a quiet "ah, I was mistaken" on their part.
Keep doing work son (daughter).