Failure to Launch

         Ever heard of people living with their parents until they are 30? Even if they once had everything going for them, something kept them from making an important transition in life. This is fondly referred to as failure to launch syndrome . It is a popular phrase for children who fail to begin “adulting”, and it really keeps every kid’s parents up at night. In case you haven’t heard this before, as teenagers, youths are suppose to be adults in training. The world wants them to begin “setting up the launch pad” by packing all of the ambition, enthusiasm, and embarrassing bath photos one can. Then, it comes time to flap those wings Mama gave them, and say adios to the nest.

Dear adults, and children, you must understand that failure to launch syndrome is a very real thing, and YOUNG ADULTS DO NOT WANT IT. This unfortunate problem affects about “32.1 percent of millennials” as they've come of age. I’ve got some real scenarios, that have actually happened to numerous young adults. Let’s say you’re really bright, and you already had it all figured out. You and that all time best pal were going to rent a place together. It was going to be 50/50. It was going to be perfect. Suddenly, your buddy loses their dependable job, and you end up footing the bill. Perhaps the bill was only manageable if you both covered it, so you end up back home with your parents. Worse yet, you didn’t do so well in school, and don’t believe you can amount to much. So, you never had the courage to even try adulting; hence failure to launch or not successfully making the transition from dependant child to independent adult.

Now that I’ve got you worried, it is important to mention that failure to launch syndrome can be prevented with some precautions. First, one must do research, and know their options. Learn about colleges, or trade schools. Even if someone doesn't know what they want to be, a plan can be set to figure it out. Next, saving money is an absolute must. All of those cute phone cases, and Starbucks are splendid momentary pleasures, but saving is essential for the long haul. Adulting is unbelievably expensive. School will cost money. Cars and apartments cost money. Everything will cost money. Having money for when life throws some curveballs will help keep the fledgling adult afloat in the real world. Finally, this person must believe in their success. Self doubt is deadly, so it can't be allowed to take control. In the end, anyone can be a success.

If the young adult does fail to launch, that is okay because everyone has their failures. However, giving up is not okay. Instead, this person has to get off of the couch, and do something about it. One could start by figuring out what obstacles stand between them, and being a contributing member of society. Then, maybe they get a job, and find a trade school. They could even sign up for community college, or visit a military recruitment office. Just because a young adult failed to launch, does not mean they can’t have later successes. Think like Mulan’s father after she failed to please the match maker. Her father looked at some cherry blossoms, and he said to her, “But look, this one's late. But I'll bet that when it blooms, it will be the most beautiful of all.” Being a late bloomer isn’t the end of the world. Just get up, and give everything 110%.

Hopefully, everyone can make the transition to adulthood in one piece, because it is time to show the previous generations what the millennials can do!