Janet Mbugua: 'Why Are Millennials a Tired Generation?'

Kenyan media personality Janet Mbugua has shared a candid reflection on the state of modern adulthood, sparking a wide conversation among her peers.

Writing to her followers on Instagram, she described the current millennial crisis as a wild experience that many were not prepared for.

Mbugua questioned why a generation that followed the traditional path to success still finds itself feeling profoundly exhausted. She asked how it was possible to do everything "right" and yet end up feeling so tired.

Healing the Inner Child

The media veteran, known for her long career as a news anchor and her advocacy work, noted that while millennials have much to be grateful for, the mental load is significant.

She mentioned that many in her age group have built successful careers and are now raising beautiful humans. However, she pointed out a specific struggle that defines this period of life.

"Nobody warned us adulthood would feel like healing your inner child while answering emails, paying bills and still trying not to lose yourself in the process,” she noted.

According to Mbugua, daily life for many millennials is a mix of heavy and hilarious moments. She suggested that the emotional work of addressing past trauma—often referred to as "inner child" work—is happening simultaneously with the mundane tasks of professional and financial life.

Honesty as a Healthy Step

Mbugua, who founded the Inua Dada Foundation to support girls' education and menstrual health, has often used her platform to discuss social issues.

In this instance, she advocated for transparency regarding mental health. She stated that being honest about these struggles is perhaps the "healthiest thing" the generation can do right now.

"The millennial crisis is wild, because how did we do everything 'right' and still end up this tired?"

READ TOO: Bien: Why I Now Identify Now as Gen Z and Not a Millennial

Despite the challenges she described, Mbugua maintained a positive outlook on her generation. She told her audience that she still would not trade being a millennial for anything else.

“Some days are heavy, some are hilarious. Most days are both. That’s life right now and maybe being honest about it is the healthiest thing we can do. Still wouldn’t trade being a Millennial,” she added.

A Global Sentiment

The feelings shared by Mbugua reflect a broader global trend. Data suggests that millennials—those born between 1981 and 1996—are often referred to as the "burnout generation." The 2023 Deloitte Gen Z and Millennial Survey found that roughly 39% of millennials feel stressed or anxious most of the time.

The survey also highlighted that the rising cost of living is a primary driver of this stress. This aligns with Mbugua’s observation about the constant pressure of "paying bills" while trying to maintain one's sense of self.