What is a Millennial? The term usually has a lot of negativity attached to it, which is sad because I have raised two millennial children, and I find them to be productive, upstanding, responsible adults. I do see certain characteristics in them that would define them as millennials.
- Millennials were born 1980-2000
- 50% of millennials are politically unaffiliated
- 20% of millennials are religiously unaffiliated
- 76 million millennials in the USA
- Millennials embrace diversity
The millennials have a different view on products than the rest of us. Generation X (anyone born between 1961 and 1979) for example, is defined by what they own and how much they own. Millennials are a mobile generation and more than likely their office is a coffee shop. It is difficult for them to be mobile with a house full of stuff taking all their time and energy. The millennials feel that ownership of things is really something they don’t need because with a click of a button they can use someone else’s car, home, boat, bike, book or anything else you can think of. The Millennial is also very concerned about the environment, which influences their buying habits, encouraging them to buy smaller homes in urban communities where everything they need is within walking distance. They are slowing the consumer consumption rate by spending more on experiences, food, drinks, and wellness products which takes the place of buying “things”. Millennials have more debt from student loans than any other generation heading into the work force, so their disposable income is being used to pay off loans rather than for buying “stuff”.
The millennials are on to something! I believe the minimalism movement will be easier for them as they are already applying the principals of this life style, such as borrowing things, smaller living spaces, environmentally aware, and buying experiences rather than stuff.
So, the next time you are hard on a millennial, take a longer look at the way they are living and learn from it.
design life around experiences, not things
Making of a Minimalist
Making of a Minimalist 