24/4/2007 - Generation X (1965-1985)

I asked two members of Generation X, Ryan (37) and Cherie (38), a series of questions about their youth...

1. Are young people today very different to when you were a young person?  How do other generations compare to yours?
   Ryan: Yes, other generations have no sense of honor, duty or self-respect.
   Cherie: In some ways.  Today they are more connected by computers, mobiles and messaging. Computers and computer games are an everyday item and it seems that the old ways are just too slow.  They want and expect more.
   
   
2. What things were you most concerned about in your youth?
   Ryan: Working.
   Cherie: Doing well in school and dancing- nothing else.
   
   
3. What were your views on marriage and having children?
   Ryan: It wasn't going to happen
   Cherie: I was not getting married because I wanted a career and to travel and did not expect to have children.
   
   
4. Was it easy to find employment?  What types of jobs did you have?
   Ryan: Yes, I had jobs in a restaurant, I was in the military, and I worked in the heating and cooling industry.
   Cherie: Fairly easy.  I worked in a fast food place and did freelance dance.
   
   
5. How far did you go in school?  Did you go to University or TAFE?
   Ryan: I did up to Year 12 in High School, and went to University and studied Criminal Justice and Business.
   Cherie:  I finished Year 12 at the age of 15, and after that I did two years of TAFE studying Performance (dance).
   
   
6. Was your family affected by war at all?  How?
   Ryan: Yes, but I'd rather not discuss it.
   Cherie: They weren't, although my husband was in the military for the first few years of our marriage.  He was never called out to fight though.
   
   
7. What age did you move out of home and why?
   Ryan: 18- I had no choice.
   Cherie: 15.  I left to go to Performing Arts College in the city.
   
   
8. Did you have money in your youth?  If so, where did you get it from and what did you spend it on?
   Ryan: Yes, because I worked from the age of 12.  I spent my money on daily necessities.
   Cherie: I lived on an allowance after I moved out of home.  I paid for my rent and bill and food, as well as transportation.
   
   
9. What did you do for fun and what rules did your parents have in place in regards to your leisure time?
   Ryan: I worked, my parents were very strict.
   Cherie: I lived by my own rules after 15, and I liked to go out to clubs to dance!