5 signs you’re a true millennial

5 signs you’re a true millennial



Young, fun and carefree. Those are three commonly used words to describe millennials. While millennials do tend to fit this description, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There’s more to the millennial generation than meets the eye. Here are five signs you truly are a millennial.

Your phone means everything to you


Millennials seem to have a love-hate relationship with the internet and the little gadget in our pocket that makes it all available. More than nine-in-ten Millennials own smartphones and the vast majority say they use social media. Even though we may hate to admit it, plenty of generations are obsessed with the internet and everything that comes from it.

You may often try to be mindful of how much time you spend online because of how addicting it can be, but it’s difficult to keep track. There are so many things on the internet to get sucked into for hours on end. Online shopping, scrolling endlessly on Instagram or reading random Reddit forums. Not to mention, smartphones make these activities even more accessible. Many of us grew up in the age of smartphones, and now we’re hooked.

You prefer a night in

couple love sitting evening
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Clubbing? Bars? Packed restaurants? No, thank you. Millennials often prefer a relaxed night in. Netflix and movie snacks are your best friends. You look forward to weekends and holidays when you can cozy up at home and catch up on your favorite shows.

Going out is fun, but it can also be a hassle. You make plans and often regret it when it’s actually time to get ready and go. Plus, it doesn’t help that your budget likely doesn’t allow for dropping handfuls of cash at the bar or the club.

You’re frugal and you know it

Millennials may seem like a generation that blows all their money on name-brand clothes, shoes, cars and other status symbols – when truthfully speaking, it’s the complete opposite. Studies have shown that 38% of millennials save more than half of their salaries as opposed to 19% of Gen Xers and 14% of baby boomers. Also, 54% of millennials polled said they cut back on entertainment and going out, versus only 45% of Gen Xers and 32% of baby boomers.

Contradicting the stereotypes, millennials are in fact frugal and thoughtful about their spending. Cutting back on unnecessary costs and even cooking at home to save money, millennials know how to handle budgeting and income. The fact that they are often saddled with astronomical student debt in turn makes them much more financially conservative.

You’re in no rush to settle down


You are in no rush to get married or have kids, and you’ve accepted that. Younger generations have observed older generations settle down early, and they’ve often realized that it’s not for them. Study, work, get married, have kids – it all seems so old fashioned.

You don’t share that “picket-fence” mentality, instead you have different preferences and priorities in life. Many millennials are financially-strapped and often fear divorce, so they tend to approach relationships strategically and marry later in life.

Some want to focus solely on their careers, and some may have decided against marriage or kids altogether. Making way for new traditions and beliefs, millennials are shaping the new world.

You think outside of the box

This may be politically, religiously or any other aspect at all. You tend to think outside of the box, and you’re open to new ideas and views. Instead of shutting them down, you are willing to learn and explore them.

This also applies to the workspace or class. In meetings and during discussions, you’re usually outspoken and at the same time willing to listen. Millennials aren’t afraid of stepping outside of their comfort zones, nor have they stayed closed off to what goes on around them, which makes them more open-minded.

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