June 7, 2014 - Written by: Becky Solomon

We Are Young

So, I heard this yesterday…

‘I mean, I would have done when I was younger, but not now I’m nearly 25’.

Hang on a sec…What was that I heard? You’re going to be 25 this year? You were in my year at school… How the hell has this happened? 25… It’s mature, it’s adult age, even old… And it doesn’t stop surprising me every time I hear it.

Whilst I may not be 25, I am approaching 24 in a week. I can just about cope with 24, but 25 sounds weird to my ears. I still literally feel about 14. It’s as if someone is telling me every year that I’m a year older but there’s no evidence and I just have to accept it.

Where did I picture myself in 10 years time when I was 14? I’m pretty sure it’s not where I am now. I think I thought I would be travelling the world and being a hippy on a beach somewhere. Maybe it’s best that somethings don’t turn out like we’d planned.

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I don’t think I could have anticipated the job I’m currently doing, or the money I’m earning. I think our parents couldn’t have anticipated that either. Things seemed a lot different then; I know a lot of friends whose have parents who were married at 20 or even 19, something which I do not feel prepared for at all. Some parents were having their first baby already… now that’s a scary thought for me.

I feel our generation has slowed down slightly. I don’t think we settle down as easily. Women want to work and have the same opportunities as men; employers are seeking more experience and qualifications; houses have become so expensive that you’re very lucky if you can afford a mortgage, or even the deposit. Maybe that’s why it’s getting harder and harder to feel like a responsible adult.

I went to uni expecting to find a job that would pay me enough to have a room in a nice flat, maybe own a car and be able to live off something other than pasta and sauce every night. The reality is, I probably had more money when I was a student, with more help and more time.

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I do feel that, as a generation, we’re going through a bit of a crisis, knowing we are approaching adulthood, and yet not feeling that we’re where we are supposed to be. Heard of the quarter life crisis, anyone? It’s not just a ‘first world problem’, there are people feeling seriously cut up, lost and depressed. Not being able to find a job, or a place to rent, having to sell your car, staying in a job that’s destroying your morale because finding another one is so damn hard (especially when most employers ask for far more than they are willing to pay for); and not feeling like you’ve found your place in society, can mean that things go downhill fast.

Despite all this, I am going to take advantage of my last year of being an official ‘young person’, whilst I can still count towards various statistics. It’s important because a lot of help stops when your 25. It’s apparently a bench mark for when you are supposed to be able to support yourself and be well on your way to achieving something… I guess.

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It’s almost like, when we’re 25, we’re on our own.

There are all sorts of initiatives for 16-25 year olds regarding employment, volunteering, support and advice, and, of course, discounts!! I’m going to find these opportunities and spend this year ticking off a before-I’m-25-bucket-list.

Here’s a few to get me started:

– Take at least 10 rail journeys – I am going to milk that Young Person’s Rail Card!

– Look for some ‘youth’ projects to get involved in, that apply to under 25s

– Take advantage of STAs 16-25 deals (any excuse to travel), and travel to somewhere I’ve ever been

– Ask for a young person’s discount at every opportunity

– Use the excuse of ‘not being an adult yet’

Please share any others that you are aware of and lets make the most of being ‘young’!

If you enjoyed this article, why not check out ‘Where Did You Come From, Where Will You Go‘?