Millennials freaked out by economy, bad job market
By Jenna Johnson | March 12, 2010; 7:58 AM ET
Millennials are worried about finishing college, being able to afford health care, paying the rent and keeping their job these days. A new poll by Harvard's Institute of Politics found that six in 10 young adults, ages 18 to 29, are worried about paying all of their bills and almost half were concerned about losing their job. Among undergraduates, about half are worried that the poor economy might force them to drop out of school and only 14 percent said it would be "easy" to find jobs after graduation.
This economic anxiety could translate into political action: The poll found that young Republicans plan to vote in higher numbers then Democrats and are showing more enthusiasm for the upcoming midterm election.
"Millions of young people are losing faith in government, politics and in many cases -- the American dream," said director of polling John Della Volpe in a statement. "Millennials are calling on government to follow through on the bright promise that a generation dedicated to public service has come to passionately believe in."
By MEGAN McCOURT-Special to the E-R Posted: 03/11/2010 12:17:26 AM PST
WASHINGTON — They voted in near-record numbers in the 2008 presidential election, but a new poll shows American youths have grown increasingly disheartened with politics, lost faith in the government and struggle with personal finances.
A new national poll of 18- to 29-year-olds by Harvard's Institute of Politics shows a majority of young adults are worried about their own expenses in addition to the country's economy.
"At no time since our original survey in 2000 has the mood among America's youngest cohort of voters seemed so dour," the poll concluded.
The millennial generation seems to be overwhelmed by financial obligations. Nearly half said their personal financial situation was very or fairly bad. About 60 percent are concerned with paying their current bills and affording a place to live, while more than half are worried about affording health care.
"There's a majority concern about keeping their heads above water," said John Della Volpe, the institute's polling director.
Congress, president set poor bipartisan spending example
Jillian Melchior
Last Updated: March 11. 2010
Two gentlemen from an older generation sat in a café recently, discussing their memories of the collegiate political scene in the 1960s -- Berkley and riots and flaming cars and tear gas. They were unaware of an eavesdropping youth.
"Students went crazy back then," one said.
"Well, of course," the other replied. "They saw that their (ahem, futures) were on the line. And they had to react to that threat."
Today's youth are slowly realizing that their assets are on the line, too. Political leaders have already acquired debt on their behalf, increasing the rate of deficit spending.
John Della Volpe, Harvard Institute of Politics, Polling Director
John Della Volpe, Harvard Institute of Politics, Polling Director
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Harvard Institute of Politics’ John Della Volpe discussed results of a national poll of America's 18-29 year olds conducted by Harvard's Institute of Politics. Topics included respondents' views of the President and the two political parties, the 2010 midterm elections, and what they see as the most pressing issues facing the country.
Washington, DC
Millennials Face a Dark Economic Present, but See a Bright Future
By: Judy Woodruff
Posted: March 10, 2010
If there was any doubt that the recession has had a big impact on Americans who are 18 to 29 years old, two national polls done in January and February shed new light on the issue.
According to the Pew Research Center poll done in January, 52 percent of Baby Boomers say they are currently earning enough money to get by. But only 31 percent of employed millennials say the same thing. And that doesn't count the 35 percent of the younger cohort who are not working - either because they're still in school, or because they can't find a job.
Who We Are 
Millennials are worried about finishing college, being able to afford health care, paying the rent and keeping their job these days. A new poll by Harvard's Institute of Politics found that six in 10 young adults, ages 18 to 29, are worried about paying all of their bills and almost half were concerned about losing their job. Among undergraduates, about half are worried that the poor economy might force them to drop out of school and only 14 percent said it would be "easy" to find jobs after graduation. 
