What Makes a Millennial?

Technically speaking, the Millennial generation consists of those individuals born between 1981 and 1996.  They are called “Millennials” because they came into adulthood during the new millennium.

Muhammad Ali said, “Age is whatever you think it is.  You are as old as you think you are.”  So regardless of the year you were born or whether economists, social researchers, and marketing execs choose to call you a millennial, a Gen X-er, or a Baby Boomer, your age doesn’t define you, you define your age!

Just because you are not between the ages of 23 – 38, that doesn’t mean you can’t self-identify as a millennial! Based on the unique characteristics of this generation captured by the Pew Research Center, you may very well be a millennial in spirit, if not by birth.

Here are the top 10 telltale signs of millennialhood:

 

#10. As a millennial, you are more likely, than any prior generation in the history of our country to be racially and ethnically diverse.  

 

#9. Millennial moms are busy moms. You likely sleep 5.5 hours a night, spend 3 hours a day trying to feed your babies, do 4 loads of laundry a week, AND are a major contributor to your household income.  Millennial mamas bring home the bacon AND fry it up in a pan.

 

#8. Millennial moms are wired and networked! You have a smartphone and an average of 3.4 social media accounts that you use and maintain 17 hours per week. 

 

#7. As a millennial mom, you are likely the best-educated person in your family compared with Gen X & Baby Boomer relatives. 39% of you millennial moms have a bachelor’s degree or higher.

 

#6.  If you postponed parenthood until you were 25.8 years old or older, that’s a sure sign you are a millennial mom!

 

#5. Millennial moms have high confidence in their mama abilities, take great enjoyment and reward in being a mother, yet feel like they lack time with busy schedules and feel a need to simplify their lives, which sets them apart from the GenX and Boomer moms who came before them.

 

#4. If you are more burdened by financial hardships – such as crushing student debt or underemployment,  yet somehow more optimistic about your financial future, that’s another telltale sign you are a millennial.

 

#3. If you are less likely to view religious organizations positively and celebrate Christmas as a cultural holiday rather than a religious one, you are certainly a millennial.

 

#2. Do you have trust issues? If asked, “Generally speaking, would you say that most people can be trusted or that you can’t be too careful in dealing with people.” only 20% of millennials are trusting of others.

 

#1. How do you feel about your own generation & how do other generations see you?  A full 2/3rds of millennials describe their generation as lazy.  Gen Xers & Boomers often describe millennials as self-centered, lacking empathy, and entitled.  Perhaps based on the perceived image of the millennial, 60% of millennials, those born between 1981-1996, do not consider themselves part of the millennial generation.

Yet, contrary to some of the negative impressions out there about millennials, – here’s a big surprise: a full 70% of millennials volunteer regularly, a percentage significantly higher than volunteerism among Gen Xers and Boomers!  Way to go, millennials!

Whether you are a millennial mama, a Gen X mama, or a Boomer mama or grandmama, NurturePA needs your mama skills!  Please consider volunteering at www.nurturepa.org