I want to write this book review because after reading the first chapter, I literally felt like I was living this. Every millennial is feeling this feeling right now. There are times when we wonder what the purpose of life is and why we’re even here. We question our decisions and wonder if they were something that was good or if it made us better in any way. A lot of us struggle with self-confidence as a result of constant pressure from parents, friends, media, etc.
Fighting burnout is never easy, especially when you’re a millennial. Work stress, career and personal ambition, competition… these are just a few of the factors that can weigh us down as we struggle to balance our lives, our friends and partners, and a whole bunch of conflicting interests.
Author Anne Hellen Petersen introduces us to what burnout is and how we as Gen X & Millennials got to that point. Being part of the American society, we just don’t know when to slow down because the hustle culture is the norm. We are raised to be overachievers and never allow days of rest. Slowing down and not being busy is seen as being dumb and falling behind.
She also provides historical context about the American Dream’s foundation: working more, being loyal and committing more to work itself to become valuable in American society. Anne points out that we are walking resumes. Giving us an interesting viewpoint into reason why our education system is utilitarian : “What you’re doing when practicing your times tables or taking a standardized test..isn’t learning, but preparing yourself to work...our current educational system operates…to a narrow understanding of ‘successful’ behaviors: getting good grades, performing well on standardized testing, behaving ‘appropriately’ and deferentially toward teachers, establishing ‘normal’ social bonds with peers, and being willing to participate in physical education.” We have to show our devotion to work by working more and also be passionate and showing your productivity badges.
We are adults who are only Adulting. Getting things done on the to-do list even if they are hard. There are many factors going against Millenials: balancing rising housing prices, childcare costs and health insurance premiums. She makes us realize that there is no security in adulthood despite us thinking it is a destination that we never reach. The word “Millenial” was coined to those who entered the workforce in the mid-2000s.
As the author states: ” It feels like it harder than ever to keep our lives… we’re asked to adhere to exacting, and often contradictory expectations. We should work hard but exude ‘ work/life balance.’ We should be incredibly attentive mothers, but not helicopter ones. We should engage in equal partnerships with our wives, but still main our masculinity. We should build our brands on social media, but live our lives authentically. We should be current, conversant, and opinionated about the breakneck news cycle, but somehow not let the reality of it affect our ability to do any of the above tasks.”
I truly enjoyed this book of social commentary of how being in a capitalist society leads to burnout. And yes, some of us choose to live in a capitalist society, but we often ponder can we still keep some sort of benefits of it without leading to burnout.
Author Anne Helen Petersen states: ” But it is an essential beginning, an acknowledgment, and a declaration: It doesn’t have to be this way.” Instead of thinking we are the problem and trying to fix ourselves, the society is broken. Furthermore she states ” I’ve tried to provide a lens for you to see yourself and the world around you clearly. So look at your life. At your thoughts about work. About your relationship to your kids. At your fears and your phone and your email account. Look squarely at your fatigue and remind yourself that there’s no app, or self-help book, or meal-planning scheme that can lift it.It is a symptom of living as a millennial in the world today…But you are not powerless to change it…Because you can find and feel solidarity with so many others who feel-if not exactly the same- similarly.”
We are not alone. And this book gives me hope because I had many doubts of working so hard my entire life. If I didn’t work hard or find the best jobs, then I would amount to nothing. But I never got the best jobs and was just given low pay opportunities. And I realized that I received more in return; more free time to enjoy my life.
When I experienced burnout I led myself to that point. And I realized it was not worth my health and time. I have become less exhausted and more alive.
We don’t have to wait till retirement to slow down. We just have to change our current expectations.
If you live in a capitalist society, what changes did you make that helped you avoid burnout? What are your thoughts on being a burnout millennial? Have you read the book? Comment down below.
Really connected to me. The ambitions, competition, chaos. Nicely reviewed 👏👏