r/Millennials

So... yeah. I'm a younger millenial at 32 years old. I've had butt issues since forever: the occasional hard poop, the occasional bleeding...

I decided to get it checked. I figured the doctor would examine me and I would be prescribed some ointment and more water.

During the rectal exam the doctor said I had a lump in my upper rectum. Colonoscopy and MRI later, I might have cancer.

Get checked, guys. Butt cancer is the doom of our generation.

I'm an engineer who works on a large team at a multi-billion dollar company, but I've also led teams at other companies, and I once ran my own successful small business. I'm 35 and whenever I get to work with other peers or even people much younger than me, we always seem to align and be on the same team. We accomplish tasks quickly. It's only when older folks get involved that things drastically slow down.

This means communication comes to a screeching halt. When I'm just working with peers who are similar in age, we are talking to each other like human beings and making our needs and expectations known. But then someone over the age of 50 comes in and they start talking to us like a robot with vague instructions and no clear solution. When I work with peers I feel like nothing is impossible. When I work with someone older it seems like things are ONLY IMPOSSIBLE.

I really don't want to put down anyone else because of their age... we'll all be over 50 someday too and the corporate world doesn't define anyone's value. But I'm sorry, I can't keep this clear and obviously distinction to myself.

I mean, millennials are among the most educated in history, as well as generally extremely ambitious (with this ambition often starting quite young in grade school). Other than the fact that many lived at home during their 20s due to student loans and rising costs, our generation has been far from lazy. A significant chunk are doing extremely well in their 30s and 40s now. The lifestyles are at a much higher standard than our parents’ generations.

I’ve really been struggling with this as I approach my 31st birthday. It is hard to reconcile with the that I had the potential to do SO MUCH with my life and so far…I’ve somehow only made one mess after the other. I just keep feeling like “how have 10 years passed and how did I let things get this bad?”

I would like to hear some other perspectives on this because I feel like this is a more common issue than people would like to admit sometimes.

EDIT: In response to comments referencing young elementary age, that is not necessarily what I’m talking about. When I reference being “gifted” I’m not talking about the fun little elementary programs. I’m talking about taking multiple AP classes at a time, dedicating all of my free time in high school to being successful, very high SAT scores, multiple legitimate awards, potential to go to almost any college within financial reason (to name a few). I worked my ass off for all of that and then I just…stopped.

I literally never use it, is that our typewriter example?

Edit: took out the part about wishing we learned more about taxes, gov, etc. never did I say I meant that as 3rd graders, apparently some of you could have used more reading comprehension instead.

Also, surprised how many people still use it. We can’t afford houses but at least we can right fancy still.

I’m rocking my salt and pepper hair.

I think I’m around 50% gray at the moment. I love it. It’s healthy and looks cool (in my opinion haha).

Do you embrace your gray/graying hair?

Millennials will be officially stepping out of the young people category this year. The first generation of digital natives are now moving towards midlife and retirements.

I just wonder what the nursing home would look like when we all hit there…would it just become a giant Internet cafe and everyone playing video games all day….?

Chime in