Millennial explains why young people are seeking partners amid inflation and rising cost of living

Millennials and Gen Z have found themselves in a tough spot trying to make a living in the ever-changing modern society. As empowering as it might feel to afford housing and basic necessities for oneself, the current generation is also aware of the cons of living independently. Amidst the soaring cost of living, many individuals are struggling to pay their rent and buying a house seems like a distant dream. A woman named Taye (@taye_taye_ on TikTok), who mostly creates lifestyle content, had a chat with AU News where she explained her struggles as a millennial.

Taye told the outlet that she might have to "couple up" if she ever intends to buy a property in the future. The 28-year-old influencer and social media marketer from the Gold Coast has realized that rental prices are gradually going up and she might need to find a partner to secure a better financial future for herself. According to the news outlet, she is currently paying $365 in rent every week for a room in a small two-bedroom apartment but her rent is about to go up by an extra $50 next month. Taye has been paying her rent since she was 17 and has observed couples getting ahead in their lives when it comes to buying houses.

“I see people who have been able to stay at home or move in with partners now being able to afford houses or have great savings while I’m out here trying to just afford my rent and bills every week,” she said. She is fully aware that despite diving deep into hustle culture, her salary is not enough to help her buy a permanent property in 2024. “I don’t think I’ll be able to afford to buy a house unless I have a dual income to contribute to it,” she explained. Taye has always prided herself on living an independent life and affording things for herself but it is gradually getting harder for a millennial like her.

“I’m so happy making my own way but the older I get and with the rising rent prices, I’m realising how hard it is to afford everything on one income,” Taye continued. “My friends and family members that have partners can split room rent prices, groceries and utilities. It’s really been the last few years where I’ve felt hindered by being single, I’m spending a lot more on rent and bills than my friends with partners." As her rent is about to increase even more, she is actively looking for other places to move into while also trying to find a housemate online who can share the rent with her.

“I just think if I had a partner to help out in these scenarios it would be a lot easier and less stress on me," Taye mentioned, adding that she is paying a singer-person tax now. Meanwhile, another TikTok creator @firstgenliving, took to the platform to explain how millennials and Gen Z have different priorities than owning properties in this economy. According to her video, some folks from the older generation often wonder why the younger generation is not too inclined towards saving money and instead, splurge on having experiences in present times.

"When older people ask me how young people are affording nice things that they wouldn't even buy for themselves, I tell them it's because we can't afford anything else," she says at the beginning of her video. "Homeownership or starting a family is so out of reach that we're using that down payment or kid money on whatever it is we can't afford that'll bring us a semblance of the kind of adulthood we were promised. When houses are a million dollar plus and an older couple will likely outbid us anyway, we're gonna relinquish any lingering delusions about homeownership." She shared the video on her Instagram page too.