Published 11 September 2023

Author
Estella Shardlow
18 min read
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Now entrenched in adulthood, millennials (born between 1981 and 1995) are navigating their multifaceted responsibilities during a cost-of-living crisis. While finances may be an ongoing concern, they’re also shifting their expectations and experiences of life milestones, from relationships and child-rearing to owning property.

A Life Less Linear

Coupledom, Reconceptualised

Home Goals

The Empathetic Parenting Era

A perfect storm of economic forces, plus the legacy of Covid-19 lockdowns, means millennials are delaying or rethinking the traditional trajectories of adulthood (like having children). While for many, this is a source of milestone anxiety, others are leaning into more footloose, youthful lifestyles and calling for society to celebrate alternative life achievements.

A perfect storm of economic forces, plus the legacy of Covid-19 lockdowns, means millennials are delaying or rethinking the traditional trajectories of adulthood (like having children). While for many, this is a source of milestone anxiety, others are leaning into more footloose, youthful lifestyles and calling for society to celebrate alternative life achievements.

Summary

A Life Less Linear

A perfect storm of economic forces, plus the legacy of Covid-19 lockdowns, means millennials are delaying or rethinking the traditional trajectories of adulthood (like having children). While for many, this is a source of milestone anxiety, others are leaning into more footloose, youthful lifestyles and calling for society to celebrate alternative life achievements.

Coupledom, Reconceptualised

Despite 85% of young Americans thinking marriage isn’t necessary for a committed, fulfilling relationship, those who do tie the knot are often opting for more secular, sustainable and progressive ceremonies. They’re also exhibiting greater realism about relationship struggles and willingly seeking out couples therapy to address sexual or financial wellness.

Home Goals

From Australia to America, chronic housing shortages mean the average first-time buyer is now in their mid-30s. Many millennials are moving further afield for better economic opportunities, while a growing number have abandoned hopes of owning a home altogether. Cue a new wave of home-financing disruptors helping Gen Rent step onto the property ladder.

The Empathetic Parenting Era

Many millennial parents are embracing a gentle parenting style, inclined to treat their kids as equals. But under a barrage of online information, high workloads and cost-of-living concerns, their own self-care is suffering. There’s an overwhelming appetite for more relatable portrayals of family life, supportive communities and levelled-up wellness services.

Millennials Evolve Adulthood

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