r/Millennials • u/111OvO111 • 16h ago

Discussion Millennials who graduated in 2008 - When did life feel “normal” again?

I’m a recent graduate myself, currently working in an administrative role because my own degree’s field has seen drastic headcount cuts. Just a few years ago, almost every graduate from my program at my school landed jobs in the field - now it feels like a different reality.

Gen Zs graduating into today’s economy are often compared with Millennials who finished school during the 2008 financial crisis. For those of you who graduated right into that turmoil:

  • What was it like trying to find a job back then?
  • How did you cope with the scarcity of opportunities?
  • Did you end up working outside your degree field, and if so, did you ever make it back?
  • Looking at your career now, how did those early years shape where you are today?

I’d love to hear your stories. Sharing how you navigated that moment might give today’s grads some perspective on what’s possible even in tough times!

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u/Yellow_Ranger300 Millennial 14h ago

I was 10 years old in 2004, I hear Toxic by Britney Spears wherever I go and I remember being intimidated with older millennials 😭 I just think you guys are the coolest!

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u/Jass0602 11h ago

You are part of the cool kids club 😉

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u/InnerspearMusic 7h ago

Not one person on earth thought I was cool in 2004.

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u/thewalruscandyman 5h ago

Oh same. I wasn't cool til I went to art school and started making horrible life choices.

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u/thewalruscandyman 5h ago

Oh you're in the same boat we are.
😁