Gen B - Generation Burnout

Every so often, I catch myself trapped in a cycle of self-doubt, feeling like an underachiever in a world bustling with overachievers. I'm a millennial, and at times, I feel like a loser, wrestling with the monumental aspirations I hold. Here I am, penning my first novel, engulfed in a whirlwind of self-criticism and anxiety, pondering over the ominous question: what if I am not good enough?

It's effortless to spiral into self-judgment when observing peers who have attained remarkable milestones; becoming significant figures who seem leagues ahead. Growing up as a millennial, many of us were nurtured on the dream that success follows a linear path: attend college, secure a respectable job, and accumulate wealth. But at what price? Personally, I graduated with a master's degree, carrying over $100,000 in student loans. I landed a high-paying job in the city of my dreams, until one day, I woke up feeling miserable, burnt-out, and far from happy. My inner peace was missing, and this reality wasn't my dream. Many millennials, including myself, bought into a myth, a false narrative that left us disenchanted by fairy tale endings.

Over the recents years, we’ve seen huge headlines about Charlie Javice, Elizabeth Holmes, and other millennials who faltered amidst grand business ventures and dealings with investors, one can't help but ponder the role of our societal and generational ethos in these stories. This fervent quest for monumental achievement, deeply ingrained in millennial DNA, seems to be a double-edged sword. While striving to etch our names alongside the greats, individuals like Holmes embarked on a tightrope walk, propelled by ambition and the daunting mandate to "be someone.” Their stories are painful reminders of the pitfalls of the "fake it till you make it" mentality, symptomatic of a generation taught to reach for the stars while navigating through the mire of self-inflicted unrealistic expectations.

In recent years, the term "burnout" has shifted from a mere buzzword to a recognized psychological ailment, particularly among millennials. The crux of millennial burnout stems from a complex blend of societal expectations, the glorification of the hustle, and the relentless pursuit of achievement as seen through the lens of social media. There’s this unspoken belief that to matter, one must be extraordinary. To be featured in Forbes magazine, have 2 million followers, be hailed as the next founder, or the next "it" thing.

Yet, the striving for greatness, for recognition, and to make a tangible impact in a world saturated with remarkable achievements can feel like an insurmountable task. This incessant push to excel in every aspect of life—career, personal development, social activism—often leaves millennials feeling drained, disillusioned, and stuck in a state of trying to catch up. Let's face it, most of us aren't Mark Zuckerberg, and we never will be. And maybe, just maybe, that's okay.

Our society has unwittingly sculpted a generation both inspired and burdened by the pursuit of greatness, leading some to adopt extreme measures for a taste of the elusive success we've been conditioned to crave. These narratives serve as a poignant emblem of our collective struggle, pointing towards an underlying quest for identity and value in an era marked by both unprecedented opportunity and profound dissatisfaction. As we trudge through our mid to late 30s, many of us are forced to confront a sobering reality—our lives look nothing like the dreams we conjured at 20. This stark discrepancy between expectation and reality has not only fueled a burgeoning demand for mental health professionals but has also sown the seeds of a deeper existential inquiry. What does happiness truly entail for a generation taught to equate success with self-worth?

It is this quest for meaning, amidst a landscape of relentless ambition and pervasive social media comparison, that re-hooks us into a collective reckoning with our vulnerabilities and the uncharted path to genuine contentment. Understanding and acknowledging burnout is the first step towards addressing it. It's important to recognize that feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious is not a failure of character, but rather a sign that it's time to reassess priorities, set boundaries, and seek support. Scaling back does not mean giving up on aspirations but allowing for a healthier approach towards achieving them.

For millennials grappling with these feelings, it's essential to find solace in the fact that being 'enough' doesn't necessitate being more than you are right now. The real merit lies in the authenticity of your journey, the resilience in your struggles, and the small victories that pave the way to personal fulfillment.

Written By,

Labrie Melzer