Another Millennial Wants More – But Its Not What You Think

Hundreds, if not thousands, of arguments exist out there that millennials are spoiled, egocentric and lazy. We want too much, expect too much and ultimately get too much. Blah. Blah. Blah. Well you know what, world? I want more and I’m not sorry for it.

Is it more money? No. More time off? I’ll pass. More work-life balance? What life…

What I want – brace yourselves – is something more. Something more than earning a degree and getting a job. Something more than a paycheck. Something more than a nice desk. Something more than my boss’s acceptance. And I’m not alone. 

The problem is that our society isn’t built to support these kinds of “outlandish” dreams all in one lifetime. Seriously, how many 20-somethings can start an awesome company, travel to India, meet Bono and get invited to the Oscars all in one lifetime? Probably about seven. While some lucky folks get the opportunity to fulfill these desires, most do not. Unless your dad’s coworker’s aunt’s daughter’s best friend’s sister-in-law is planning to open a start-up company, you’re pretty much bound to societal expectations: get a degree, get a job, and shut up! There’s intimidating competition, limited time, and yes, inadequate amounts of money. I know, “GREAT! Another millennial complaining about money.”  Well you ain’t about this life so please continue reading. 

With that being said, you should know that I did graduate college, I did move away from home, I did get a job in the field I wish to pursue, and I do plan on being successful. And maybe I am the typical millennial but it is just not enough. While sitting at my desk all day, every day, I can’t help but dream about who I want to be. The torturous question, “Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?” haunts me because the answer is nowhere to be found. Besides becoming Beyonce’s personal assistant, obviously. If only!

This is an honest confession, if you will, where I admit that I want more but I don’t know where to start and doubt my desires. Ultimately, I struggle with who I am and where I’m going. But I’ve learned that that’s okay! So, here’s a [working] list of the dreams I have and the doubts that come along with them. I welcome your feedback! Please, feel free to offer suggestions, rebuttals, comments and the like. Here goes nothing…

 I want to:

♦Start a business, but what business?

♦Make a difference in someone’s life, but in what way? 

♦Advocate for change, but what’s a good, trustworthy cause?

♦Organize and host a 5K run/walk, but for what and who?

♦Learn accounting and bookkeeping, but where to find the time? 

♦Meet inspiring, educated people, but how and where?

♦Design a mass-produced invitation, ad, or brochure, but for who? 

♦Become popular on Twitter, but for what?

♦Play a significant role on a team, but what team? Athletic? Work-related? Volunteer?

♦Teach someone something meaningful, but I’m no teacher or expert, am I?

♦Donate a gift to my alma mater, but what would actually make a difference?

♦Create a useful, life-changing mobile app, but do I have any good ideas?

♦Be a role model, but for doing what and for who?

These are silly dreams, maybe. Attainable dreams, probably. Some of you might encourage me to just go for it! But like a true millennial, I want it all…and fast. However, I shouldn’t be sorry for wanting success, service, and education. Either way, the road is not yet paved and it should be an interesting journey.

Review: The Wolf of Wall Street

Three words: gripping, comical,  provocative.

The Wolf of Wall Street tells the story of New York stock broker, Jordan Belfort, whose middle-class childhood pushed him to build a corrupted brokerage firm, Stratton Oakmont in the late 80s. Young Belfort’s carelessness for U.S. laws and societal acceptance lead to a life of recklessness including drugs, sex and corporate greed. 

Leonardo DiCaprio is brilliant as a money hungry Wall Street mogul. The seasoned actor manages to turn a rich asshole, drug junkie and serial adulterer into a character who I hate to love; I was addicted.

Belfort’s trashy posse of former-everyday-Americans-turned-millionaires joined him in the circus that was their life at the top. A surprising performance by Jonah Hill as Belfort’s right hand man, Donnie Azoff, added comical value to the film and really sealed the deal.

Many critics say the film was repetitive. “Sex and drugs. Sex and drugs,” said one critic from Cleveland. Perhaps it was. However, I choose to take the perspective that The Wolf of Wall Street was an accurate depiction of Belfort’s story and despite the critics, it was highly-watchable and worth the money.

What I liked: Leonardo DiCaprio gave an excellent, excellent performance!

What wasn’t my favorite: Borderline pornographic

Noteworthy scene: Belfort and Azoff get doped up on “ludes” and lose all motor skills

Interesting fact: The film now holds the record for most f-bombs dropped in one movie

What were your thoughts on the film? Let’s chat about it!