THE WORLD IS THEIRS

“Things are going to be tough for anyone who’s got more planned in the years to come than your typical, ageing Leave voter, sitting at home watching re-runs of Downton Abbey and whining about the Poles down the street.”

In modern day society the pressures on young people are ever growing. Entering the adult world is harder and more expensive than it has ever been. We are faced with crippling debts, fees and pressure as soon as we hit 18.

As a teenager I am worrying about being able to afford a house. I am worried about being able to pay back around £50,000 after university. I am worried about my ability to travel around Europe and move freely between countries. I am worried about getting a job.

AND LISTEN TO THIS….The Young Women’s Trust asked young people what makes them anxious, “the most common responses were leaving the EU (42%), followed by worries about being able to buy a home in the future (41%) and their current financial position (37%). Half of them (47%) say they feel worried for the future."

When the media call us ‘slackers’ and ‘lazy’ as a generation it upsets me. Not only do I feel slightly dehumanized as we are being thrown into a collective, but it is taking away our individuality and hard work.What some adults do not consider is how much harder it is, in the present day, being a teenager. To our generation its almost unthinkable that university used to be free and you could get a house for £30,000. I am only touching on financials here let alone the pressures from social media, etc.

Despite negative media coverage about the millennials I believe our generation want a more open, equal, prosperous society where their voices are heard.

I used to have such excitement and buzz about growing up and becoming an adult. When watching series’ like Skins, this is England etc I had this idea of a never-ending teenage life which looked so euphoric. As I am approaching my twenties these dreams are slowly fading as I have to understand tax rebates and TV licenses (lol). After a year at uni I honestly have the upmost respect for adults…after finding out how much work is involved in living alone and how mentally hard it is taking on adult responsibilities.

Life is so gd don’t get me wrong, I am loving every minute of university and I’m excited at the prospects of my future/career. However, I can’t help but think people in power are making our future so difficult. With the ridiculous university fees and high rent costs, it’s almost impossible to achieve a successful future without having these long-lasting debts. here are so many barriers to growth for teenagers nowadays which are stopping them from enjoying an adult lifestyle.
  Moving out is near impossible for those not going to university, deposits alone are thousands…. let alone monthly rent and living costs.

Cities are rapidly expanding with less and less thought put into low income housing for the new generation. Capitalist enterprise is putting profit before people and disregarding the younger citizens. With an ageing population the UK will soon be heavily reliant on the new generation to carry the economy and support the elder generations. If this is the case, then why is it so hard to get a foot hold in society.

Data from 2017 showed that 1 in 4 people aged between 20 and 34 are still living at home.

Since 1996, the percentage of young people still living with their parents has risen by 21%. This is staggering. Even worse, it is predicted that the proportion of young adults still living with their parents will pass 50% within a generation, unless radical action was taken to tackle Britain’s housing shortage and pricing.

I am totally aware of the amazing schemes the government have recently brought in helping with mortgages and ISAs, and I’m not asking to have everything handed to me on a plate. I just believe in allowing everyone to have the same start in life no matter their background.

I can’t help but think MP’s and political figures are making decisions that will stunt our growth and development as young adults without thinking of the consequences. The government are so caught up with Brexit there is a lack of attention on sorting affordable housing and young people’s earnings.

25% of UK employers have already stated they are less likely to employ international graduates if our education systems were to separate.

Brexit could potentially ruin a lot of overseas opportunities for graduates. Restricting freedom of movement means finding a job abroad becomes much harder for young people due to the need for visas. The UK currently has the most expensive university fees in Europe, so a lot of students have chosen to study abroad. However, if we leave the EU it’s safe to assume we will have to pay international student rates in Europe. 

In the long term, if Brexit does prompt a recession, it is young people who are most likely to suffer. Graduates who start jobs during a recession earn less than those who enter the jobs market in a thriving economy, the likelihood of a recession after Brexit is huge and so if unemployment was to rise, it’ll be the under 30s who are most vulnerable.

The unpredictable nature of the British economy has just got a whole lot more unpredictable, I guess we must wait until next March to understand the final effects Brexit will have on our generation and our career prospects.

However, in the mean time I have listed some ways in which you can make your voice heard!!

Take action –

1. Young people must tweet #PeoplesVote  and their MP eg #AlexChalkCheltenham I demand the right to Remain #PeoplesVote with their name and age
2. Write/email their MP – demand the right to be heard – with your name/age and reasons why you want a PeoplesVote.
3. Join or form groups at uni
4. Most towns and cities have remain groups – join the campaigns so young voices are heard!