Generation of illusions
Op-ed: We must realize promises we grew up on don't fulfill themselves; it's our responsibility to fulfill them
We were born in the 1980s or 1990s. We left our parents' home at a late age, we move almost every year, change seven (!) workplaces on average by the time we're 30, two-thirds of us live with our partner without getting married, and those who do get married do it later than ever.
We exchange our interests every day, update our Facebook statuses, replace friendships and relationships like socks, enjoy amazing options and employment opportunities – and mainly, we are more self-absorbed than any other generation which ever lived on this planet. And yet we're uhappy.
We are Generation Y and these are the illusions we live under. Pleased to meet you.
1. Time illusion
Average young seculars only start a family in their 30s, and there's no wonder that they are under the illusion that "they still have time" till then. We go to the army, fly abroad for a few months or years, go out and have fun, drag our degree, jump between student jobs and possibly take another trip. The really serious questions and problems are left for "later."
Time goes by and "later" arrives. Thousands of young people open their eyes ahead of their 30s and discover that the questions and problems have failed to solve themselves. Contrary to what you may think, time is your most limited resource, so take advantage of it.
2. Talent illusion
In the wonderful article, "Why Generation Y yuppies are unhappy," the members of my generation and I are described as "hippies" suffering from megalomania – and rightfully so. We are probably the most talented, creative generation in the history of mankind with access to knowledge and multitasking abilities. But moreover, we are probably also the only generation in history which was raised on the hopes of "you can be whatever you want to be" and "don't give up on your dreams," and we are certain that that's exactly – but exactly – what we deserve.
Stop thinking that you're entitled to anything. No one will pick up your broken dreams and fulfill anything for you. Things aren't going the way you hoped they would? Here's the annoying truth: If you want to make progress and succeed, the only way to do so is by working harder and being better than all those around you. You only depend on yourself.
3. Saving illusion
Ever since I left my parents and began providing for myself, I have always made an effort to save money. You save too: It will enable you to depend only on yourselves in the short run, and will contribute to your earning ability and the fulfillment of your dreams in the long run. And that's before I've written a single word about the updated pension model, which requires our generation to treat its pension as a bonus we might only get (or might not get).
4. Responsibility illusion
We are all human beings, and we are all allowed to make mistakes or make decisions which don't benefit us – but the wise thing is to learn from all of these and show a commitment to change. Assume responsibility.
Everyone is right: The State must do more, the Israeli reality is not easy, we were promised a dove, an olive branch, peace and prosperity – and we got economic inequality, an Arab Spring, and no peace whatsoever. And still, a person who really wants to do it, who is not looking for excuses – does it.
Each and every one of us can and should take responsibility for our personal life, and ask ourselves how to navigate it with our own hands to a better place. Blaming others is easy, but it's unhelpful.
5. Comfort zone and safety zone illusion
Seth Godin's wonderful book, "The Icarus Deception," describes the difference between two concepts: "Comfort zone" and "safety zone."
If what we once felt was comfortable – completing a degree like everyone, finding a good job and sticking to it – was also really safe – today that is not longer the case. Godin explains that our "comfort zone" has remained in the same place, while the "safety zone" has moved, changed. That means that when you are "taking no chances," you are actually putting yourself at risk without intending to do so.
That is the reality our Generation Y must deal with. An entire generation must leave its comfort zone to achieve the safety it seeks. And mainly, it must understand that that reality is complex and changes incessantly, that achievements and success are reaped through hard work, that the promises we grew up on do not fulfill themselves. It is our responsibility to fulfill them.
Sound inconvenient? Welcome to the real life.
Guy Katsovich, 26, from Tel Aviv, is a former journalist and social entrepreneur, who works today as business development manager at Veribo, an international reputation management agency.
