The kids aren't alright.

So, now we're known as the 'Ipod generation'.

At first I thought this meant that our generation was just one of technological advancement; one of new opportunities and increased awareness. It could even mean that we are shiny and plastic in some odd, arty farty metaphorical way. But no- apparently I was wrong; the Ipod generation is one of economic difficulty and debt. We are- according to the think tank Reform- "Insecure, Pressurised, Over-taxed and Debt-ridden."


This is a generation of crippling student debts, astronomical property prices and an increasingly competitive job market. Young people are struggling under the weight of over taxation and the pressure placed on them to gain a degree in something, and so get into some kind of industry.

However, it seems that university graduates these days are spilling out of institutions after gaining degrees, and instead of being spoilt for choice are struggling to find work in the increasingly competitive society we live in.

According to surveys, "the average debt of higher education graduates is expected to rise to £20,000 for undergraduates starting this year."

Not a reassuring prospect for those of us expecting to graduate to tumulus applause, fall into our dream job and steadily pay off our student loan with regular pay cheques. I for one, am starting to miss the years of compulsory education paid for by the government.

In addition to this, "the proportion of 20-24 year-olds living with their parents has risen from 41 per cent in 1991 to 49 per cent in 2004," the survey says." Just to rub salt into the wound, not only are we going to be penniless and overtaxed, we're probably going to end up living with our parents for quite a while which will only prove to make us feel all the more futile.

Nick Bosanquet, consultant director of Reform and professor of health policy at Imperial College London says; "The Government is in the process of mortgaging the future of a generation." Well isn't that nice. We're all brought into the world with the idea instilled in our brains that education means a good job, a comfortable lifestyle and a fast car. Probably.

For years I was certain that without a degree I was destined for the scrap-heap. But it seems it's over before it has even begun. We're damned if we do, and we're damned if we don't. In my opinion the government isn't doing enough to sort the economy out. They are so concerned with paying out public money to buy votes at the ballot box that they haven't noticed the implications of ignoring an ever-growing elderly population and ever-increasing taxes.

One only need take a gander at my bank balance for an example of dire financial status; not even due to frivolous expenditures. Books, rent and necessities (and I don't mean alcohol or a sky television subscription) all cost money, and this racks up to a surprising amount.

With the impending financial breakdown I am apparently destined to face it is unlikely that I will be able to plan any kind of future as yet. The Ipod generation won't be able to fund any kind of revolution; let alone have the time to think about it.
All a little bit depressing really.