Not Buying Diamonds

Blood Sweat & Careers

Millennials (and Gen Z) have been blamed for upending decades-long industries like pricy engagement rings, buying homes, purchasing new cars, and working with the same company until retirement. Through all this blame (oh no, there goes JC Penny!), have any of these naysayers stoped to wonder why? It might not be what you think. Did you know minimum wage peaked in 1968 at $8.68 (adjusted for inflation)? Since it was last raised in 2009, it has lost about 10% of its purchasing power? That gig work has grown from 8% to 24% according to a recent survey — and for those polled is essential to meeting basic income? That in nine states, more than 4,000 Amazon employees are on food stamps? Welcome to the unluckiest generation. This week is all about why we're 'Shining Bright Like a Dimond,' but not buying any. Surviving An Unlivable Wage documentary- https://youtu.be/GbvNhQ4lYLE Coming of age during an economic downturn- https://youtu.be/ikp0Qfgxmkc Gig work has grown exponentially with 24% of respondents saying they do gig work and the reason is essential or important to meeting basic income needs- https://www.dataforprogress.org/blog/2020/3/30/insecure-gig-work-america