Millennials and the American Dream

Source: Chris Kutarna

We are familiar with the concept that with hard work, persistence, and initiative, it is possible for any person to achieve success and prosperity.  This idea is known as the American Dream, and is well-known around the entire globe.  This is why we see so many people fleeing their homelands to immigrate to the United States.  Due to the crippling grasp of communism and dictatorship in countries such as Venezuela, Cuba, Columbia, etc., it can be near impossible to make a name for oneself and to find a successful and happy life.  

This successful and prosperous life doesn’t come without challenges and it doesn’t come without work. This was understood a century ago, but the question is, do we understand it today?  It seems as time goes on, we want to reap all of the benefits of the American Dream without putting in the required work.  Millennials, for example, are one particular group who want to live the life our parents are currently living.  We want the nice house, and the fancy car, not to mention the lavish vacations, and shopping sprees.  I’m sure sometimes our parents scratch their heads, wondering when we will understand that it wasn’t easy for them to get to that point, and surely it won’t be easy for us to get there.  

The point is, however, that the American Dream is still a real possibility.  And it’s a real possibility, for everyone.  That is the beauty of it.  The American Dream doesn’t discriminate by picking and choosing who gets to be successful, but rather it gives all the opportunity to live the life he or she wants. So, it may be time for some to have a wakeup call to realize that all of the glamour and shine won’t come without a price.