The Daily It Sucks to Be 33
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Mar 14, 2024 
Jeanna Smialek, a U.S. economy correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the unique struggles of the cohort born in the early '90s. She discusses how these peak millennials grapple with economic adversity, from student debt to career instability, while trying to hit traditional life milestones like homeownership and family planning. Jeanna highlights the profound impact of the Great Recession and rising costs of living on their aspirations, revealing the pressures faced by a generation navigating a system that's often too small to accommodate them.
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Jeanna's Economic Mirror
- Jeanna Smialek, an economics reporter, noticed a trend in her life decisions mirroring larger economic patterns.
- Every time she made a big decision, like buying a house or getting married, the related market boomed.
Peak Millennials
- People born in 1990 and 1991 represent the largest portion of the millennial generation, approximately 9.5 million people.
- This "peak millennial" group's size significantly impacts the economy.
Economic Strain
- Peak millennials, due to their large numbers, create high demand in various economic sectors.
- This demand strains the economy, similar to squeezing into a too-small sweater.