On Becoming a Millennial
Let’s get one thing straight: being a millennial is about more than the stereotypes of avocado toast and overpriced lattes. It’s about carving out a life that rejects the usual templates, embracing uncertainty, and finding freedom in simplicity. The world is a playground, but it’s also a labyrinth, and you need to be clever enough to navigate it with as little baggage as possible.
The Illusion of Choice
We’ve been sold on the idea that success is a linear journey—go to school, get a job, work until you retire. But that’s just a false narrative designed to keep us comfortable with mediocrity. Millennials are waking up to the fact that the ladder is broken, the system rigged. We’re not bound to the corporate rat race. We’re explorers, digital nomads, artists, and creators. Our currency is experiences, not possessions. You don’t need the latest tech gadget or a McMansion in the suburbs to be fulfilled. In fact, the more stuff you own, the more that stuff owns you.
The modern world gives you endless choices, but that’s the trap—it’s easy to become a slave to consumerism, to spend money on things that numb you rather than empower you. Minimalism, then, is a way to reclaim your agency. Every item you own should serve a purpose. Instead of pursuing the fleeting thrill of a new purchase, focus on what brings you lasting joy. Choose the tools that make you productive, that enhance your creativity. For me, that means a high-quality camera, a laptop, and a mindset built on self-reliance.
Financial Independence Isn’t About Money
Financial independence is often misunderstood. It’s not just about piling up cash so you can retire and live on a beach somewhere. It’s about creating a life where you’re not shackled to the system, where you can walk away from any job, any situation, and still thrive. It’s knowing that, no matter what, you’ll be able to pay your rent, feed yourself, and pursue what matters to you. There’s a peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re not at the mercy of an employer or a paycheck.
In practical terms, this means living with less. It means rethinking the traditional pathways and asking yourself, “What do I really need?” Not want, not desire—need. Move to a place where rent is cheaper, work remotely, and focus on building skills, not wealth. Becoming financially independent is about reclaiming time and energy, about having the freedom to dedicate yourself to your passions, your art, or even just enjoying a slow cup of coffee on a Tuesday afternoon.
Redefining Success
Success for millennials isn’t measured in dollars, promotions, or even likes. It’s measured in the freedom to do what you love. It’s about creating a life that allows you to be both resilient and flexible. Why accumulate more debt just to conform to a lifestyle that doesn’t make you happy? A minimalist lifestyle means you’re free to pivot, free to explore, and free to pursue what truly resonates with you.
For me, it’s about the art of street photography and connecting with people. It’s about capturing those fleeting moments, the raw, the real. When you strip away the excess, you’re left with clarity. You start to see what truly matters, not just to you, but to the world around you. It’s about the stories, the memories, the human connections you create.
The Joy of Simplicity
The beauty of simplicity is that it opens up space in your life. Space for creativity, space for mindfulness, space for relationships. You’re not bogged down by things that need maintenance or a lifestyle that demands constant upkeep. Instead, you have the time to invest in what feeds your soul. You can read, travel, learn, create, love, and live fully without the weight of unnecessary things holding you back.
Becoming a millennial in this sense means rewriting the script. We’re not here to play by the rules; we’re here to make our own. We’re a generation that’s shifting the paradigm, breaking away from the status quo, and finding happiness not in what we own but in what we experience. So, don’t be afraid to let go. Invest in your freedom, in your craft, and in a life that reflects your values. The journey isn’t about reaching a destination; it’s about building a life that’s uniquely, unapologetically yours.