30 year olds behaving like 20 year old - new trend, or the way it's always been?

[slackerinabox]

I've noticed what I perceive as an increasing number of very immature 30 year olds - from drinking constantly to still living with roommates (with no desire to get married/have kids), it feels like a lot of my peers are still living like they're in college. In fact, I'd say it's pretty split along socio-economic and cultural lines - my working class ethnic friends still value that upward mobility/settling down part of growing up while a lot of my Caucasian friends seem to dress, act, think, and party like they're much younger than they are and seem stricken with a sense of apathy. I'm not race baiting, I think much of this is due to a time separation from the "American Dream" (i.e. my ethnic parents came to this country relatively recently through sheer will and hard work and family is very important to them, instilling similar values in me, while apathy not by race but by virtue of being here for generations seems to be creeping in to a lot of 5th+ generation americans, and seems to be coming out with a vengeance in 30 year olds).

I'm ranting a bit but I see a ton of slackers around me - is my generation particularly bummy or is my perception off?

 

[NikolaeVarius]

I'm not sure why having fun at 30 while still having a job is a bad thing.

Why is it a bad thing to live with room mates and not want to get married. Not everyone wants the financial burden of living by yourself / getting married. If you are still working, getting by, having fun, why the hell not. You're still young at 30, enjoy yourself.

 

[Veliko]

House prices are rocketing, inflation is on the up, wages falling, high unemployment.

Look at who caused the economic slump.

They have been shafted by the previous generation.

 

[waggy]

House prices are rocketing, inflation is on the up, wages falling, high unemployment.

Look at who caused the economic slump.

They have been shafted by the previous generation.

pretty much.

aslo IF you are working and no family yet why not enjoy it?

 

[Krazy4Real]

Your perception is off.

 

[LookBehindYou]

I've noticed what I perceive as an increasing number of very immature 30 year olds - from drinking constantly to still living with roommates (with no desire to get married/have kids), it feels like a lot of my peers are still living like they're in college. In fact, I'd say it's pretty split along socio-economic and cultural lines - my working class ethnic friends still value that upward mobility/settling down part of growing up while a lot of my Caucasian friends seem to dress, act, think, and party like they're much younger than they are and seem stricken with a sense of apathy. I'm not race baiting, I think much of this is due to a time separation from the "American Dream" (i.e. my ethnic parents came to this country relatively recently through sheer will and hard work and family is very important to them, instilling similar values in me, while apathy not by race but by virtue of being here for generations seems to be creeping in to a lot of 5th+ generation americans, and seems to be coming out with a vengeance in 30 year olds).

I'm ranting a bit but I see a ton of slackers around me - is my generation particularly bummy or is my perception off?

As long as they pay their bills, don't hurt anyone, and aren't getting into trouble with the law, I don't see a problem. Are they suppose to live the life that you think is appropriate?

 

[Saint Nick]

So whats the problem? You are unsatisfied with how others are living their lives? Why don't you concentrate more on your own than on others.

 

[AreaCode707]

to still living with roommates (with no desire to get married/have kids)

I'm married, living with roommates and have no desire to have kids and I'm "older" than most of the people I know. I work a 100 hour a week job, we own our home and rent to our friends, are working on building a little house in our dream location, husband is on his third successful business...

I think you're confusing a prescribed lifestyle with maturity. Maturity isn't living on your own as a married couple with kids, it's making financially responsible decisions about your living situation, choosing a relationship that meets your needs, and only having children if you are ready for it and all-in to support them.

 

[ichy]

As long as they pay their bills, don't hurt anyone, and aren't getting into trouble with the law, I don't see a problem. Are they suppose to live the life that you think is appropriate?

This. I'm 28 and partially live the sort of life the OP describes (I have a roommate, no desire for marriage or kids, I have cut back quite a bit on the drinking though) but I also have a good job, own my own house, am saving for retirement, etc etc. If money were a non-issue I'd probably live without a roommate but having someone pay a bit chunk of my mortgage every month gives me a great deal of financial freedom. Anyways, I fail to see why I'm under any sort of obligation to get hitched or start popping out babies.

 

[rh71]

As long as they pay their bills, don't hurt anyone, and aren't getting into trouble with the law, I don't see a problem. Are they suppose to live the life that you think is appropriate?

They should probably stop "drinking constantly" then.

 

[ichy]

Drinking is not illegal.

 

[FelixDeCat]

If you are older than 20 and use street drugs you are a loser. I would even say that drinking should be stopped past 40, but thats up to you. I quit 4 years ago.

But yes, people are more childish, selfish, immature and classless these days because we have spent the last several decades attacking and bringing down everything that was sacred and important like religion, patriotism and finally the rule of law.

You reap what you sow. :thumbsdown:

 

[Saint Nick]

If you are older than 20 and use street drugs you are a loser. I would even say that drinking should be stopped past 40, but thats up to you. I quit 4 years ago.

But yes, people are more childish, selfish, immature and classless these days because we have spent the last several decades attacking and bringing down everything that was sacred and important like religion, patriotism and finally the rule of law.

You reap what you sow. :thumbsdown:

<hubertfarnsworth>
Ah-wha...?
</hubertfarnsworth>

 

[LookBehindYou]

They should probably stop "drinking constantly" then.

Not sure how drinking means you are hurting yourself and breaking the law. I didn't see any mention of them getting throwing up, blacked out, drunken driving, party like its 1999 drunk.

 

[slackerinabox]

So whats the problem? You are unsatisfied with how others are living their lives? Why don't you concentrate more on your own than on others.

Oh, I don't have a problem with it - I just find it curious. Prior generations seem to prioritize differently and I wonder what caused the shift. Housing prices and inflation make sense. I think my biggest issue is with how so many dress - 30 year olds still dressing like hip hop douchebags or punk rock rebels (or frat boys). It's curious to me, and I wonder what their 40s will bring.

 

[ichy]

But yes, people are more childish, selfish, immature and classless these days because we have spent the last several decades attacking and bringing down everything that was sacred and important like religion, patriotism and finally the rule of law.

Crime rates in this country are at their lowest levels in decades.

Also, if you need religion to make you behave like a decent human being then there's something wrong with you.

 

[Juddog]

I'm almost 40 and I still have no desire to have kids. I just don't see the point.

 

[LookBehindYou]

If you are older than 20 and use street drugs you are a loser. I would even say that drinking should be stopped past 40, but thats up to you. I quit 4 years ago.

But yes, people are more childish, selfish, immature and classless these days because we have spent the last several decades attacking and bringing down everything that was sacred and important like religion, patriotism and finally the rule of law.

You reap what you sow. :thumbsdown:

Who says those are important? You? Go fuck yourself.

 

[Juddog]

If you are older than 20 and use street drugs you are a loser. I would even say that drinking should be stopped past 40, but thats up to you. I quit 4 years ago.

But yes, people are more childish, selfish, immature and classless these days because we have spent the last several decades attacking and bringing down everything that was sacred and important like religion, patriotism and finally the rule of law.

You reap what you sow. :thumbsdown:

This is a joke right? How is religion important?

 

[cheezy321]

If you are older than 20 and use street drugs you are a loser. I would even say that drinking should be stopped past 40, but thats up to you. I quit 4 years ago.

But yes, people are more childish, selfish, immature and classless these days because we have spent the last several decades attacking and bringing down everything that was sacred and important like religion, patriotism and finally the rule of law.

You reap what you sow. :thumbsdown:

Lol. U mad bro?

 

[slackerinabox]

I'm almost 40 and I still have no desire to have kids. I just don't see the point.

Not in any way implying that everyone should have kids nor am I judging those who make that decision, but I've always thought ensuring that my line doesn't abruptly end is important to me. I understand not wanting to have kids for obvious logistical/financial/freedom issues but I do see a point, personally.

 

[Train]

I have a 31 yar old manager who had to take the day off because he was too hung over from taking the day off yesterday for opening day.

I'm effing pissed.

 

[slackerinabox]

If you are older than 20 and use street drugs you are a loser. I would even say that drinking should be stopped past 40, but thats up to you. I quit 4 years ago.

But yes, people are more childish, selfish, immature and classless these days because we have spent the last several decades attacking and bringing down everything that was sacred and important like religion, patriotism and finally the rule of law.

You reap what you sow. :thumbsdown:

Hmm, looking at it internationally many areas (China, etc) without religion still find upward mobility and family growth as very important. I'm personally not very patriotic (and religion is a personal part of my life and not something I display/push) yet still have that desire to strive toward maturity, however that's defined. I just see a certain apathy towards growing up - not necessarily having kids as any 15 year old in a trailer can do that, but the desire to move past ikea to premade furniture is lacking in many

 

[SP33Demon]

Look at the divorce rate vs our parents' generation. Also, look at the population pyramid: there are 20 million more 0-24 year olds than 25-44 (2010 Census). That means we are bottom heavy and catering to the youth (prevalence of video games, Twilight/teen movies). Also the delay of education in conjunction with fears of marriage have transformed the 30's into the new 20's generation.

 

[FelixDeCat]

Crime rates in this country are at their lowest levels in decades.

Also, if you need religion to make you behave like a decent human being then there's something wrong with you.

A lot of crime is not reported, also recent "occupy" movements, riots, etc. Its not a matter of "needing" religion, its needing faith in God and the teachings of Christ. Its up to you.

Who says those are important? You? Go fuck yourself.

An example of the classlessness of today.

This is a joke right? How is religion important?

See above.