The millennial generation, previously associated with the "hustle culture," now finds itself amid a growing dissatisfaction with their work and workplace circumstances. Despite their rise to managerial positions, many millennial managers feel disillusioned and constrained, unable to exercise significant influence in their roles. This dissatisfaction is reflected in an average job satisfaction rating of 4.6 out of 10 for millennial employees.
The economy has undergone positive changes following the pandemic, with lower inflation and a consistently low unemployment rate. However, the discontent among workers persists, possibly due to a loss of faith in various professions, heightened economic skepticism, and the ongoing socioeconomic turmoil. This discontent seems to be rooted in a profound change in the workforce, as individuals question the purpose of their jobs and experience a decline in overall happiness and engagement.
As the largest demographic in the workforce, millennials have made strides in their careers despite encountering challenges such as wealth-building setbacks during recessions. Now, as they reach greater seniority in their roles, they face the difficulty of operating in a corporate environment where older generations still largely shape the rules, leading to increased burnout and a strained relationship between employees and their companies.
For the upcoming presidential election, the state of the economy will be a crucial factor. Four key economic indicators will significantly influence this: gas prices, mortgage rates, real household income, and consumer confidence. These factors can either bolster or undermine the electorate's belief in the economy's improvement under the current administration, potentially affecting the electoral outcome.