An enhanced unrealistic perception about one’s own self has now become one of the identifying phrases for the generation Y- the present generation who are in their 30s. This perception developed due to the huge attitudinal and historical differences between the Y generation and their predecessors.

In 2013, prominent job recruiters in Australia were of the opinion that those employees who are in their 30s have unrealistic high opinions about themselves and the level of their contribution to the organization they are working. All these factors actually contribute to the factor that the Generation Y is labeled as an unhappy generation.

Let’s explore the reasons why they are so unhappy at all times.

They are different from their earlier generation

In the earlier times, during the World War and the time of the Great Depression the way towards building a career was steeped in hard work and a lot of struggle and responsibilities. These made the generations develop a mantra for success- slow steady and safe way to success and definitely through hard work.

With the change in the historical context, where the world saw comparatively more stability in human lives and conditions, the mantra evolved where the parents of the generation Y lead them to a belief that the world is full of opportunities and possibilities and that one has to take the right choices at the right time.

This lead to delusion regarding choices and also about the attitude that since there are a lot more opportunities something or the other will click as a great career option. One just needs to wait for the right time- became the evolved mantra.

High regard about one’s own self

As mentioned earlier not only high but delusional perceptions about their own self are one of the key reasons for their unhappiness because the reality and the expectations never match. The nature of human life specially in case of becoming successful in life has always been a right combination of hard work, skill, luck and opportunity.

But many from this generation believes that skill and luck are all that one needs and hence starts acting on that. The innumerable cases of famous young singers and other superstars having a shot of fame for a brief period followed by a steady fall career-wise and the consequent depression leading to addictions – bringing a steady end to their career, are way too many to ignore.

Some are fortunate to revive from it others cannot for a long time.

Who’s special? Sense of competition and the role of social media

All Gen Y folks are of the belief that they have one special talent that makes them stand apart in the crowd while in reality they are all common folks having common goals and methods to be successful.

Social media in this sense has a huge contribution. Everyone here has something to show to the world- something special – whether be it their signing talent or their frequent vacations abroad that speaks high of their career and salaries.

No one is unhappy in social media

In simple terms no one is unhappy in social media and it is this sense that instills a sense of competition to stand out as the best as someone desirable and special. In reality everyone has their own battle to fight at their own levels and at that level all tends to be unhappy.

Sticking to the ground of reality is the only solution ahead. Before starting expectations about what you want in life start realizing your strengths and skills. Know who you are and what potentials you have. Knowing oneself truly is one of the biggest defenses to failure and unhappiness in life.

Compete with your own performance every day than with others. In today’s world, opportunities are higher and so are the chances of failure. It is the realistic understanding of your own self that holds the key to your happiness.