Gen Z Asks Why They Can't Afford To Live — 'I Do Not Want To Hear Pull Yourself Up By Your Bootstraps, Work 90 Hours A Week'

TikTok has long been a popular venue for Gen Z to express themselves, and recently, it has gained attention as a place where they vent about economic struggles. This month, a TikTok user named Nic posted a video that has attracted over 10 million views, expressing his exasperation with the current financial challenges young adults face.

In his viral TikTok, Nic openly questioned, "Can someone explain to me in crayon-eating terms why I make over three times the federal minimum wage and I cannot afford to live? I do not want to hear ‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps, work 90 hours a week.' That's not the goal, guys! That should not be our standard." 

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He criticized the notion of complacency within the political system which he believes fails many like him. Nic reflected on his parents' era, noting, "When my parents were my age, they both made half of what I'm making and were able to live alone." 

He contrasted this with his situation where he cannot afford to live alone, citing rents as, "A one-bedroom apartment at $1,800. Two-bedroom apartment, $2,200."

The comments section on Nic's post expanded as other users shared their experiences and frustrations. Comments highlighted the contrast between previous generations and today's economic realities. One user mentioned their grandparents bought their house in the 1970s for $32,000 and sold it for over $1 million.  Another user expressed a desire for just basic financial security, saying that they don't even want to be rich, they just want to be able to eat without anxiety.

Another comment with over 151,000 likes read, "You gotta have a 9 to 5 and two businesses while investing in stocks on the side to live in this economy." This sentiment highlights the pressure to juggle multiple jobs and investments as a means to achieve financial stability, which many find overwhelming.

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One user revealed how their parents cried upon learning that living in a car was considered a step toward a better life â€" a sad portrayal of the dire circumstances many find themselves in. This unfortunate reality is echoed in Montana, where a city is experiencing a significant increase in unhoused people living in vehicles. Driven by rising housing costs and economic hardships, more people are being forced out of traditional housing and into makeshift homes in cars, vans and RVs.

Nic's closing remarks in his video expressed a broader discontent with national priorities.

"And then I clock out of my shift. I am tired. I go home, check the news and see another $60 billion going to a country nobody can point out on a map," he said. "Where has the plot gone? We have lost it, folks."

Through these exchanges on TikTok, it is evident that many young adults and their families are deeply concerned about their financial futures. Whether you are a member of Gen Z, the parent of someone in this demographic or know someone struggling in today's economy, the challenges facing young adults, particularly in the housing market, are hard to ignore. The sustainability of their economic conditions, coupled with critical decisions made at higher levels of governance, continues to prompt widespread anxiety and debate.

Consulting a financial adviser can be a proactive step for people of all ages to ensure they are on track for a stable financial future, including retirement. 

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