Since graduating from college in 2011, I’ve been reading like I’ve never read before. For whatever reason, becoming free of required texts has brought me even deeper into the world of books. I’ll read just about anything, from non-fiction to psychologically rich novels, and yes, sometimes even chick lit. Let’s just say that I’m very glad the library is closer to my home than the bookstore; my wallet would be perpetually empty otherwise. Some people in my generation find themselves in the same predicament, only it’s not because they spent their money on all the books their hearts could desire. Rather, it’s an issue of economy. And Riva Froymovich delves into the reasons Generation Y is at risk in her book End of the Good Life: How the Financial Crisis Threatens a Lost Generation — and What We Can Do About It.
Froymovich begins with her own story, a story of success for her parents, but within it, there are questions for the vast majority of 20- and 30-somethings who are unable to find employment. We invest so much into our education, and we tirelessly search for something, anything. We don’t even care if it’s in our field anymore. And sometimes we take unpaid internships because we’ve bought into the idea that months and years of experience will get us somewhere, even if we can’t pay our bills. When will things turn around for us, for everyone who is unemployed and underemployed?
While the future sounds bleak for the US, Froymovich reminds us of our neighbors in other countries. Europe, in particular, is struggling more deeply than we are. Froymovich provides staggering recent statistics, which is what makes this book so relevant. Published in April of this year, we’re able to see things as they are, now. And globally, things are tough. It’s not just us.
Borrowing ideas from other countries that are actually excelling, Froymovich explains how we might just be able to dig ourselves out of the debt we didn’t plan to find on the other side of education. She suggests simple yet incredibly effective educational reforms, such as earlier career planning in public schools as well as a partnership program with local businesses. These businesses would be able to train high school students for their particular field, and apprenticeships would allow teens to get their hands dirty in a field they might want to pursue in the future. For those who have already passed through the school systems, Froymovich suggests that entrepreneurial training is a great way for us to create the jobs that just aren’t there.
This painfully beautiful book uncovers the truth about our economy; the honesty with which it’s written draws me in as though I’m talking with a mentor, telling it like it is. With every chapter, I feel validated; I’m not alone in this, and neither are my peers. We’re all struggling, unsure of job security and uncertainty of what will happen when we reach retirement age. But in End of the Good Life, Froymovich offers practical solutions for the future, solutions that need to include policy change. If Generation Y comes together, we’re loud enough. We just need to be heard.
You can purchase your copy here, or if you’re like me, just check out your local library 😉
fretlessphotography 