Millennials Explained: by a Millennial Facilitator!

Hi! I’m Veena...

…one of the Millennial facilitators at Friendzone! You may have read Weng’s post responding to Gen Z misconceptions (if you haven’t, go check it out!). Now, it’s our turn. I’m here to share some context, debunk some myths, and offer an explanation of why we Millennials are the way we are! Read on to understand a little better.

A photo of me chatting with my group at one of our Friendzone events

Myth #1: Millennials Cling to Outdated Trends

Photo of social media app icons by Pixabay from Pexels

Facebook vs Snapchat or Vine vs TikTok, there’s no denying the differences in how we entertain ourselves. But if you think about it…

We were the OG digital natives: the first generation to experience life with and without the internet.

We learned everything from scratch early on, and at some point, we just want what’s comfortable. From dial-up connections to the rise of social media, we witnessed the internet evolve and adapted along with it. The platforms we first fell in love with hold a special place in our hearts, much like how you might treasure their childhood toys.

It doesn’t mean we can’t adapt with the times (we’ve done it all before, after all) – and some are definitely more up to date than others.

We just like what we like! While some Millennials have embraced TikTok dances and Snapchat streaks, others find solace in the familiarity of Facebook posts and Instagram feeds. It’s not about resisting change, we’re just cherishing the experiences that shaped us.

Myth #2: Millennials Believe in the Traditional Path

Photo of Singapore HDBs by Faheem Ahamad from Pexels

Study hard, go to an elite school, get a good job, get married, get BTO, have kids… If you think that the Millennials around you are living cookie-cutter lives, you’re not wrong. It can seem like we’re lacking a sense of spontaneity, but it could come from the fact that:

We were raised to believe in the Singaporean dream, and that following a set path was the best way to achieve it.

Our parents and society instilled in us the importance of a stable and successful life. The roadmap to success was clearly laid out, and deviating from it often felt risky and uncertain. The idea of stability and security was ingrained in us from an early age.

We’re just in a stage of life now that requires more stability.

But it’s inspiring to see the energy and sense of adventure that younger generations have! As we navigate through careers, relationships, and family planning, stability becomes the biggest priority. However, we deeply admire (and sometimes envy) the adventurous spirit of Gen Z, who aren’t afraid to take risks and forge new paths.

Myth #3: Millennials Think that Work is Everything

Work-life balance? Who is she? Your older colleagues might be hustling for promotions or pulling OT to impress their bosses. Maybe you can’t relate now, but we actually started out just like you. After seeing how hard our parents’ generation worked, we began our careers by prioritising ourselves!

But as we grew, we learnt that some seasons require more hustle. Witnessing the relentless work ethic of our parents made us initially crave a better balance. Yet, as responsibilities grow, so does our dedication to career advancement. It’s a matter of adjusting priorities, constantly shifting with life’s demands.

We were the first to push for mental health awareness and better work-life balance.

It's encouraging to see Gen Z passionately take on these causes in their own way! We started the conversation on mental health and work-life balance, and it’s heartening to see younger generations continue this with even more passion, innovation and their own ideas.

Photo of two men looking at a laptop by Thirdman from Pexels

Myth #4: Millennials Always Be Judging

You’re probably tired of people older than you criticising your every move. It can seem like nagging, but I promise we don’t mean it that way.

We learn as we grow, and we naturally want to pass wisdom on to those younger than us.

Unfortunately, we don’t always get the timing or tone right. Our intentions are often misunderstood as criticism rather than guidance. We want to share the lessons we’ve learned, hoping to spare you from some of the same mistakes.

We had our fair share of judgment growing up, but maybe we forget what it was like to be young and still exploring.

I hope us Millennials can figure out that balance and be a little more gracious. The cycle of judgment is one we’re familiar with, having been on the receiving end ourselves! It’s a reminder for us to approach younger generations with empathy and understanding.

A photo of me and Tiffanie, one of the Friendzone team members!

These points just scratch the surface, but I hope you’ve learned a little more about where we Millennials, friends, family, and colleagues are coming from!

Keep an open mind and learn what you can—but don’t be afraid to put your own Gen Z twist on it.

We’ve all had different experiences, which means that we have unique strengths to offer! There’s beauty in what we can do together ♡

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Friendzone's Mind the Gap events were a series of intergenerational conversations between Gen Zs and Millennials in Singapore, proudly supported by the National Youth Fund.