Gen X is OK

Wait for it, hold the presses. We’re all ok.

We’ll that is to say a 20-year longitudinal study of American Youth conducted through the University of Michigan for the Institute of Social Research has found that the 4000 Gen Xers who began in the research program in 1987 are mostly happily married, actively engaged in their local communities, satisfied with their jobs and maintaining a healthy balance between work and family.

Interestingly the study found that the global financial crisis did not have such a disastrous impact as was predicted by some, with two-thirds of Generation X reporting being satisfied with their life, half having completed university or some kind of tertiary degree and 10 per cent still engaged in study of some kind.

The results aren’t all that different from stats regarding marriage, divorce and work rates in Australia, which usually point to generation Xers marrying later but staying married for longer than their predecessors. We’re having fewer kids than our parents but we’re paying particular attention to their health and education, hence the increase in demand for extra-curricular activities and private schooling.

Interestingly from the US study, 72 per cent report reading to their children for at least three hours a week, while 80 per cent report actively playing with their kids using toys like Lego every week, while more than half take their kids to museums and 70 per cent take their kids to public libraries.

And so it goes, with the Gen X adults in the survey answering that they participate in sporting activities, community groups or churches and that they use the internet and social networking to keep up with work, family and friends. In fact, 97 per cent of those who participated in the research use the internet (yes, just like you’re doing now). Forty per cent used it to shop, 62 per cent have a Facebook page, while 90 per cent say they have used it to source maps or directions.

Generation X is also happier than other generations, scoring an average of 8 out of 10 when asked to rate their happiness level, with only 4 per cent reporting feeling deeply sad or depressed.

And you know, my theory is that we’re pretty happy with our lot because we actually have a lot to be happy about.

When you grow up in a world that seems on the brink of nuclear war and the worst that comes at you is a global financial crisis, life really does seem worth living.

Do you agree? Write and tell me your views.

BRW

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