Father Accuses Son Of Ruining His Own Life Due To Party Lifestyle And Poor Decisions, Sparks Intergenerational Blame Game

"I reminded him that I did very well in college, earned a degree in a competitive field, and was able to buy a home in my mid-20's."

Sophia

• Published in Interesting
• May 11, 2024

Today's 20-year-olds face a starkly different reality compared to the generations before them. The ease of obtaining a degree, securing a well-paying job, and purchasing a home that was once more accessible has diminished significantly.

Costs of higher education have skyrocketed, leaving many young people burdened with substantial debt. Additionally, the job market has become more competitive and unstable, often offering lower wages that do not keep pace with the cost of living.

The housing market compounds these challenges, with prices that have soared beyond the reach of many first-time homebuyers. This financial landscape makes the milestones of independence and stability harder to achieve.

The Reddit post in question sheds light on a common generational conflict that emerges from these changes. The father, reflecting on his own successes from decades past, struggles to understand his son's difficulties.

He sees the son's failures as self-inflicted, citing poor decisions during college and a lack of effort thereafter. However, this perspective might overlook the broader economic shifts that have reshaped young adults' opportunities.

It highlights a disconnect between generations: one marked by different challenges and a rapidly changing world that demands new strategies for success.

Just take a look at the situation here and see what people had to say...

OP's son, Michael, 27, a college dropout and clerk, shares a rundown apartment.

Yesterday, Michael called, upset about missing a promotion he hoped would better his life.

Michael aimed to move to a better area after his lease, eyeing a studio. Despite attempts to understand, the limit was reached.

When asked about his college failures, Michael stayed silent. Questioned about his future without a degree, he had no answer.

He dodged the question again, launching into a rant about "the boomers," lumping everyone together and distrusting them all.

OP noted their college success, early homeownership, and the achievements of Michael's high school peers.

Frustrated, they hung up on Michael. They find his blame of their generation unfair and see his anger as misplaced.

Unable to reach Michael, their wife called them "callous." Feeling helpless, they question their ability to support their son.

Scroll down to see what people had to say...

Classic move—dropping a history bomb on their son's hustle. Next time, just shout 'bootstraps!' and call it a day.

Blaming college for missed promotions? Like blaming a fork for rain. Degrees ≠ success, no degree ≠ poverty.

Times change. Three options: support, silence, or stick to the past. Looks like it's option three for OP.

Enough with the college spiel. It's not everyone's cup of tea and it's overhyped for many.

Leave the past in the dust and focus on the present. It's about his recent habits, not ancient history.

Trying to help, but YTA for the execution. Critique without solutions? Does not sound like help at all.

College degree: from must-have to punchline. Times change, eh?

Soft YTA for thinking big bucks only come with a college degree. Time to trade up to trade school, maybe?

Instead of dwelling on past mistakes, what's the plan to move forward? Actions speak louder than criticisms.

Speaking to his son like that? Graveyard visits might be awkward. No one likes a trial-trivializer.

Who needs a degree? Trades are where it's at. Skip the student loans, and swing the toolbox.

"Congratulations on being born at the right time."

"He won't ring you again that's for sure."

In the end, maybe the generational gap isn't just about age—it's also about timing. After all, yesterday's roadmap to success might just lead to a traffic jam today. Maybe it's time to invest in a new GPS for navigating modern life's twisty roads.

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Sophia