"Oh, so you're part of the Boomerang Generation?" - Lady at DMV.

The first time someone called me a Boomerang, I didn't really know how to react so I just chuckled & brushed it aside. Boomerangers are defined as "Generation-X aged persons who return home to live with their parents after being unable to find jobs that will provide adequate compensation to support them as well as their parents did." The definition should probably get modified to add other generations as the trend is increasing with 85% of college graduates moving back with their parents.

When my parents were my age the world population was 4.378 billion, the Sony Walkman made music mobile, climate change was just being noticed & neglected, the obesity rate in the USA was ~15.1% and optimistic songs like "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor & ambitious songs like "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" by Michael Jackson were topping the music charts.

Now the world population is around 7 billion, smart phones made almost everything mobile, climate change is affecting everyone, the obesity rate in the USA is at ~36% among adults & ~17% among children, hate groups are at all-time highs and songs advocating greed, debauchery & battery top music charts.

As the world continues to constantly change; some questions to ask yourself is what are your needs? And what is truly sustainable? What can you do?

1. Volunteer with some non-profits. Do what you can to help build the community; if you act locally, change can happen globally.

2. Do some odd jobs. A college or graduate degree shouldn't mean you're done learning.  Keep an open mind and explore something new. 

3. Most importantly, enjoy the time with your family.

The reality is that Boomerangers will find work at some point. But if anyone is in this situation, take it as an opportunity to discover, define & build yourself. Follow your obsession & let your passion follow you.

by Bassem Dahdouh

photo by Leslie Whiteside

thank you to Kelly Kennedy for illustration