## Introduction: The Burnout Generation As I sit here, reflecting on the state of my generation, it's hard not to feel a sense of exhaustion, a feeling that has become all too familiar for many millennials. My book, "Can't Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation," is an exploration of this pervasive burnout, a condition that has defined our lives in ways both subtle and profound. It all began with a viral BuzzFeed article I wrote in January 2019, which resonated with millions of people. But "Can't Even" goes far beyond that initial piece, delving into the sociohistorical context, the changing labor laws, and the unrealistic expectations that have led us to this point. ## The Roots of Burnout To understand why millennials are so burned out, we need to look at the broader societal and economic structures that have shaped our lives. Unchecked capitalism and the erosion of labor protections have created a work environment that is relentless and unforgiving. The mantra "Do what you love, and you'll never work another day in your life" sounds appealing, but it's a trap. By framing our jobs as passions, we've blurred the lines between work and life, making it impossible to disconnect from the constant demands of our careers. This phenomenon is not just about work; it seeps into every aspect of our lives. The pressure to perform our lives online, to present a curated version of ourselves on social media, adds another layer of stress. We're damned if we do and damned if we don't – try too hard, and you're seen as overly ambitious; don't try at all, and you're invisible. ## The Impact on Work and Identity Burnout is not just about being tired; it's an alienation from the self and from desire. When we're constantly exhausted, we lose touch with what we truly enjoy and what gives our lives meaning. As I wrote, "A reckoning with burnout is so often the reckoning with the fact that the things you fill your day with — the things you fill your life with — feel unrecognizable from the sort of life you want to live, and the sort of meaning you want to make of it." This disconnection is particularly evident in the way we approach our careers. The modern workplace demands an almost superhuman level of productivity and dedication. We've conditioned ourselves to ignore every signal from our bodies saying "This is too much," and we call this conditioning "grit" or "hustle." But what does it mean to be a person when your identity is so deeply tied to your job? If you subtract your ability to work, who are you? ## Parenting and Socializing in the Age of Burnout Burnout doesn't just affect our professional lives; it also impacts how we parent and socialize. For many millennials, the idea of having children is fraught with anxiety. The financial instability, the lack of support systems, and the pressure to be perfect parents all contribute to a sense of overwhelm. As one of my interviewees shared, "Any downtime began to feel like I was being lazy and unproductive, which in turn made me question my self-worth." Socializing has also become a chore. The constant need to present a perfect online persona means that even our leisure time is filled with the pressure to perform. We can't even have fun without feeling like we're being lazy or unproductive. This has led to a generation that is both hyper-connected and deeply isolated. ## The Role of Technology and Social Media Technology and social media have been both a blessing and a curse for millennials. On one hand, they've provided us with unprecedented connectivity and access to information. On the other hand, they've created a culture of constant comparison and competition. Every moment of our lives is subject to scrutiny and judgment, making it impossible to escape the feeling that we're not doing enough. The hyperactive use of social media has also blurred the lines between reality and performance. We're no longer just living our lives; we're performing them for an audience. This performance is exhausting, both mentally and emotionally. As I noted, "We've conditioned ourselves to ignore every signal from the body saying 'This is too much,' and we call that conditioning 'grit' or 'hustle.'" ## Towards Redemption and Change Despite the bleak picture I've painted, there is a way forward. Recognizing burnout for what it is – a symptom of a broader societal problem – is the first step towards change. We need to recommit to valuing ourselves not for what we produce or consume, but simply because we exist. As I wrote, "A recommitment to and cherishing of oneself isn’t self-care, or self-centeredness, at least not in the contemporary connotations of those words. Instead, it’s a declaration of value: not because you labor, not because you consume, not because you produce, but simply because you are." This means challenging the status quo, pushing back against the unrealistic expectations of the modern workplace, and demanding better labor laws and social support systems. It means recognizing that our worth is not tied to our productivity and that it's okay to rest, to take time off, and to prioritize our well-being. ## Conclusion: A Path Forward As I look at my generation, I see a group of people who are tired, who are burned out, but who are also resilient and determined. We've been through a lot, from the financial crises to the pandemic, and yet we're still here, still fighting. "Can't Even" is not just a book about burnout; it's a call to action. It's a reminder that we don't have to live this way, that we can create a world where members of my generation can feel as if the boot has been removed from their necks. We can create a world where work is just a part of life, not the entirety of it. We can create a world where we are valued for who we are, not just for what we do. So, let's take a step back, let's breathe, and let's imagine a different future – one where we can live, not just exist. One where we can be ourselves, without the constant pressure to perform. One where we can say, "I'm enough," and mean it.

Here are the key insights from "Can't Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation" by Anne Helen Petersen: ## Burnout as a Defining Feature - Burnout is not just a condition, but a foundational aspect of the millennial experience, shaping how they interact with and think about the world. ## Sociohistorical Context - The roots of burnout lie in broader societal and economic structures, including unchecked capitalism and the erosion of labor protections, which have created a relentless and unforgiving work environment. ## Blurred Lines Between Work and Life - The mantra "Do what you love, and you'll never work another day in your life" has blurred the lines between work and personal life, making it impossible to disconnect from work demands. ## Impact on Identity and Meaning - Burnout leads to an alienation from the self and from desire, causing individuals to lose touch with what they truly enjoy and what gives their lives meaning. It deeply ties identity to job performance. ## Parenting and Socializing Under Pressure - Burnout affects parenting and socializing, with financial instability, lack of support systems, and pressure to be perfect parents contributing to overwhelm. Socializing has become a chore due to the need to present a perfect online persona. ## Role of Technology and Social Media - Technology and social media have created a culture of constant comparison and competition, blurring the lines between reality and performance. This constant scrutiny and judgment are exhausting. ## Unrealistic Expectations - Millennials face unrealistic expectations from employers, social media, and themselves, leading to a relentless pressure to succeed in every area of life. ## Economic and Financial Stress - Financial pressures, including debt and stagnant wages, are significant contributors to burnout. Many millennials struggle with the financial instability and the lack of support systems. ## Need for Societal Change - Recognizing burnout as a symptom of broader societal problems is the first step towards change. This involves challenging the status quo, pushing for better labor laws, and valuing individuals for their existence, not just their productivity. ## Path Forward - The book is a call to action, urging a recommitment to valuing oneself simply for existing, and creating a world where work is just a part of life, not the entirety of it. It advocates for a future where individuals can live without constant pressure to perform.