Anne Helen Petersen

Overview

"Can't Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation" is a thought-provoking book written by Anne Helen Petersen. Petersen, a journalist and author, explores the concept of burnout in millennials and how it has become pervasive in their lives. She delves into the systemic factors that have contributed to this phenomenon and analyzes the impact on individuals' work-life balance and overall well-being.

Key Points / Ideas

Petersen's book offers several key insights into the burnout experienced by millennials. She highlights the following points:

1. The Rise of the "Burnout Generation"

Petersen argues that millennials have become the "burnout generation" due to systemic factors such as the erosion of labor protections, the instability of the gig economy, and the pressures of social media.

She points out that millennials, saddled with high levels of student debt and facing precarious employment prospects, experience chronic stress as they struggle to meet societal expectations of success.

Petersen also highlights the impact of social media, which constantly exposes millennials to curated images of others' accomplishments, leading to comparisons and a sense of never measuring up.

2. Productivity Obsession and Constant Hustle

The author argues that millennials have internalized a productivity obsession, driven by societal expectations to constantly optimize their time and hustle for success.

She traces this mindset back to the neoliberalism of the 1980s and 1990s, where success became synonymous with productivity and individuals were expected to constantly prove their worth.

Petersen highlights the pressure on millennials to be constantly multitasking, always thinking about work, and feeling guilty when they engage in leisure activities or take breaks.

3. The Emotional Labor of "Adulting"

Petersen emphasizes the emotional labor involved in the everyday tasks of "adulting" and the exhaustion it causes for millennials.

She argues that the responsibilities of managing personal finances, healthcare, and navigating the complexities of modern life have become overwhelming for millennials.

Petersen supports her argument by highlighting the need for millennials to constantly research and make decisions about various aspects of their lives.

4. The Need for Structural Change

The author concludes by emphasizing the need for structural change to address the burnout experienced by millennials.

She argues that policies such as universal healthcare, affordable higher education, paid parental leave, and a strengthened social safety net can alleviate some of the pressures faced by millennials.

Petersen also emphasizes the importance of reevaluating societal expectations of success and challenging the culture of hustle for the sake of well-being and a more sustainable work-life balance.

Conclusion

In "Can't Even," Anne Helen Petersen paints a compelling picture of the burnout experienced by millennials. She provides an insightful analysis of the systemic factors, societal pressures, and emotional labor that contribute to this phenomenon.

Petersen's compelling arguments are supported by well-researched evidence and relatable examples, making the book relatable to millennials and providing insights for a broader audience.

Reading "Can't Even" encourages readers to reflect on the societal expectations they have internalized and advocate for sustainable change in work and personal life.

For those interested in exploring similar topics, related books such as "The Burnout Society" by Byung-Chul Han and "Dopesick" by Beth Macy further delve into burnout and societal influences on well-being.