This article from Wait But Why is kind of old news, as it was published last fall, but that's not to say it doesn't still hit home real hard:

Why people under 35 are so unhappy

Maybe it's because today was a little terrible and I like to rub salt in my wounds, but I do enjoy revisiting this article now and then. Actually, it might be better to revisit it on terrible days because that's when I'm most likely to be pouting and saying things like, "BUT WHYYYYYYYY?" in my head.

The author explains that our generation is sort of cursed by our own timing in this world, and the timing of the generations that came before, and now we think we're all beautiful, special snowflakes entitled to exceptionally cool and well-paid lives. But guess what? We're not all that special... or at least not yet. Maybe once we've put multiple decades of effort into our work and passions we will be.

There is hope though! (A little!) He closes out the article with some advice and, as someone often plagued by FOMO and feelings of inadequacy, this is my fave:

Ignore everyone else. Other people’s grass seeming greener is no new concept, but in today’s image crafting world, other people’s grass looks like a glorious meadow. The truth is that everyone else is just as indecisive, self-doubting, and frustrated as you are, and if you just do your thing, you’ll never have any reason to envy others.

So be strong, children of the '80s (and children from a little before and after then). We're all in this reality together.

I may hang on to all my middle school awards for "good participation" a little longer though.

PS: If you're really in the mood, scroll through all the debates happening in that post's comment section. Wow.