People across the United States and the world are handling the current coronavirus pandemic very differently. While some are desperately searching for a silver lining and doing their best to stay productive, others are slipping into depression and sorrow.

While sadness or even a bit of anxiety during this time is perfectly understandable—especially if you or someone you know has been directly impacted by they coronavirus—now is not the time to despair. Unfortunately, there have been reports, specifically about Millennials that have highlighted some tragically cynical attitudes.

Millennials Outlook

Anytime you are putting an entire group, comprising of millions of people, into one category, you are sure to make some assumptions and judgments that do not apply to many of them. There are always outliers, and the average does not, by any means, guarantee anything.

With that said, it does appear that an increasing number of Millennials are passively accepting a pernicious narrative about their current personal and professional circumstances. The narrative goes something like this: Baby Boomers and other generations past pillaged the United States and the planet for all it was worth. Now we, the Millennials, are faced dealing with global warming, a shrinking middle-class, and what seems to be crisis after crisis. Our time as adults was characterized first by the economic recession of 2008, and now, in 2020, we are facing a potentially even bigger problem: The coronavirus pandemic. Just when we are getting our professional footing, the narrative goes, unforeseen circumstances have come along to push us back into the dirt. We are doomed, therefore, before we have even truly got started.

Now, some people might find this message compelling. Some may even squabble and say there is a kernel or two of truth in it. But that’s not the point. The point is that Millennials are far too young and have far too much potential to be thinking in such a painfully cynical way. First off, it is generally a good practice to understand that seemingly every generation thinks they have it the hardest. The idea that Millennials really, truly, have it harder than any other generation past seems incredibly unlikely. This is not to be flippant about the personal struggles that many individuals are presently facing. It is, however, important to put things in perspective. The sooner Millennials realize that we are not the first generation to go through struggles (nor will we be the last), the better. Because then, finally, we can get down to the business of pulling ourselves up.

For those who have lost their jobs or been laid-off during this time, things may be especially tough for you. But, again, that is no reason to slip into despair. There is not a single Millennial alive today which is too old or not to be able to change their circumstance. So, you got fired. Maybe now you can finally pursue that new career you’ve been meaning to start but have been too comfortable to go after. You have nothing to lose, what’s holding you back from pursuing your dreams?

We do not have to “think positive” or lie to ourselves. But we must keep things in perspective, and we must all remain vigilant and strong, always.