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Growing up as the eldest of four, I cherished the experience of family life and wanted the same for my future children. However, as I transitioned into adulthood, the reality hit me hard, much like it has for many in my generation.
I always understood that raising children comes with its costs, but I naively hoped that I would have a stable job and a secure environment to raise them in. Sadly, the resources that were adequate for previous generations just don’t cut it anymore for us. If you’re a millennial or know one, you’re aware: our generation has faced significant challenges.
With soaring student loan debt and limited job opportunities compared to the baby boomers, it’s no wonder many millennials are reluctant to start families. The housing market is so inflated that it feels like we would have to give up a lifetime of indulgences just to make a down payment. The reality is, it’s not that we don’t want kids; it’s simply that we can’t afford them.
The Factors Holding Millennials Back
So, what’s the root of this hesitation? Financial stability, the desire for further education, and career commitments weigh heavily on our family planning decisions. The CDC reported a 4% decline in the U.S. birthrate in 2020, a trend that can be attributed to many factors including the chaos of the pandemic. However, the reasons extend far beyond that.
In today’s world, obtaining a college or post-secondary education is often essential for securing even a modestly-paying job. Ironically, these jobs frequently fail to cover the very loans taken out for that education. And when we finally land that elusive dream job, it often demands our full devotion, leaving little room for family life. So, when exactly are we supposed to juggle raising kids?
While money doesn’t guarantee happiness, it certainly plays a crucial role in family planning. We’re often tied to our desks from 9 to 5, leaving little time to nurture a family. Plus, the financial burden of diapers, mortgages, and student loans weighs heavily on us. The idea of staying home or hiring a nanny is often out of reach, despite well-meaning advice from older generations.
What Millennials Really Need
People suggest hiring a nanny or staying home with the kids, but for many of us, both options are financially unfeasible. Instead of trivial advice like cutting back on coffee and avocado toast, let’s consider some real solutions. We need employers to offer livable wages and access to affordable childcare for everyone—not just those working multiple jobs to cover daycare costs.
It’s frustrating to constantly hear about the struggles of millennials, especially when faced with family members asking why we haven’t settled down yet. For women in particular, the challenges are even more daunting. Gender pay gaps persist, and women who want to balance motherhood with their careers often find themselves overlooked for promotions compared to their male counterparts.
Ultimately, we need fair treatment for all employees, regardless of their parental status, and a reduction in daycare costs without sacrificing quality. Companies need to practice what they preach about work-life balance by aiding with childcare expenses.
Millennials aren’t against having children; we just want to be able to afford to raise them. The idea of providing a safe and nurturing environment for our future kids is something we deeply care about. Until systemic changes are made, the prospect of starting families will remain daunting.
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For further details about our discussions around family planning, refer to this blog post.