Author Description

To gain further insight into the challenges facing 'Generation Y' young adults today, the University of Melbourne held groups discussions with 25 participants from the 'Life Patterns' Project. 'Life Patterns' is a longitudinal study following two cohorts of school leavers - from Gen X and from Gen Y - as they move into adult work and family life. This paper provides some background findings on the cohort, then highlights the themes raised in the group discussions about how they are dealing with the cumulative impact of change, the strategies they use, and their hopes and expectations for the future. The findings highlight a generation stretched and stressed in their efforts to secure modest outcomes: job and housing security; work-life balance; positive relationships, and good mental and physical health.