A lot of millennials were raised by parents who didn’t get to dream about fulfillment. They dreamed about stability. About making it through. About survival.

In this episode of This Is Fine: A Millennial Diary, I talk about generational trauma, survival-mode parenting, and why so many of us feel conflicted choosing rest, joy, therapy, and balance when our parents never had that option.

This isn’t about blaming our parents.It’s about honoring what they survived — without feeling ashamed for wanting more than just getting by.

We talk about:

* Millennials and generational trauma

* Growing up in survival-mode households

* Immigrant and Hispanic family expectations

* Why thriving can feel like betrayal

* Burnout, guilt, and healing as an adult

If you were raised to survive — and now you’re trying to heal — this episode is for you.

💬 Question for you:Did your parents survive so you could thrive… and does that still feel complicated?

📌 Next episode preview:Episode 65: Healing Your Inner Child While Raising One

Subscribe for more millennial reflections, or find everything at alexiscardoza.com.

In this episode, Alex explores the complexities of setting boundaries with family, particularly for millennials raised in environments where compliance was prioritized over personal needs. The conversation delves into cultural influences, emotional independence, and the humor that often accompanies the struggle to assert oneself. It also highlights generational differences in how boundaries are approached, contrasting millennials’ tendency to over-explain with Gen Z’s more direct methods.

00:00 Setting Boundaries with Family

02:31 Cultural Influences on Boundaries

06:47 Emotional Independence and People-Pleasing

08:39 Humor as a Coping Mechanism

09:39 Generational Differences in Boundary Setting

Join Alex in this episode of ‘This is Fine a Millennial Diary’ as he dives into the wild world of family group chats. Discover the intricate dynamics, from political arguments to emoji diplomacy, and learn how millennials strive to maintain peace and connection despite generational and cultural divides. Through personal anecdotes and light-hearted humor, Alex explores the emotional minefields of digital family interactions and offers practical tips on setting boundaries, picking battles, and leading with love, even when it’s tough. Perfect for anyone looking to understand the modern extension of the family dinner table.

00:00 Introduction: Navigating Family Dynamics

00:10 The Chaos of Family Group Chats

00:52 Emotional Minefields and Family Roles

01:54 Generational and Cultural Clashes

02:16 Politics in the Group Chat

03:05 Millennials: The Generational Glue

03:49 Strategies for Staying Connected

05:15 Conclusion: Love in Action

05:44 Next Episode Teaser

Join Alex in the new chapter of ‘This is Fine, a Millennial Diary’ as he dives into family culture and generational disconnect. This episode explores the heavy themes of generational trauma, emotional inheritance, and the struggle of overcoming past pain without passing it on. Alex discusses the unspoken rules from the nineties, the shift in mental health awareness spearheaded by Gen Z, and the importance of acknowledging parents’ hardships while choosing to evolve past them. Subscribe to follow this heartfelt exploration over the next 10 episodes, starting with Alex’s personal insights and call to action for true healing.

00:00 Introduction: Healing Generational Pain

01:04 Survival Mode: Lessons from Our Parents

02:46 Unspoken Rules and Emotional Barometers

04:51 The Science of Trauma and Millennial Struggles

07:26 Breaking the Cycle: New Traditions and Healing

11:32 Conclusion: Embracing Change and Moving Forward

12:40 Next Episode Teaser: Family Group Chats

In this episode of ‘This is Fine a Millennial Diary,’ Alex wraps up volume six by exploring why millennials find it so challenging to rest without guilt. From the pressures of the side hustle culture and workplace trauma to the myth of productivity as a personality, Alex delves into the complexities of modern work life. He reflects on the lost art of true relaxation from childhood and contrasts it with today’s guilt-ridden attempts at rest. Highlighting the lessons learned from Gen Z’s approach to boundaries and self-care, Alex encourages viewers to reclaim rest as a necessity rather than a luxury. Join Alex as he concludes this volume and teases the upcoming focus on family culture and generational disconnect. Don’t miss the heartfelt and humorous journey into redefining worth, not by work, but by wellness.

00:00 Introduction: The Millennial Struggle with Rest

00:09 Recap of Volume Six: Work, Worth, and the Hustle Myth

01:19 The Guilt of Resting: A Millennial Dilemma

03:34 Contrasting Generations: Millennials vs. Gen Z on Rest

04:26 The Path Forward: Redefining Worth and Embracing Rest

05:37 Conclusion and Teaser for Volume Seven

In this episode of ‘This is Fine a Millennial Diary,’ Alex dives deep into the elusive concept of retirement for millennials. Unlike previous generations, millennials face unique economic challenges that make traditional retirement seem almost mythical. With pensions disappearing, unstable job markets, and overwhelming debt, retirement feels more like a moving target than a secure finish line. Alex explores how millennials might redefine what ‘enough’ looks like, focusing on community, small joys, and living in the now. Stay tuned for a candid discussion on the realties of retirement in the modern age and find out why the next episode will tackle the topic of guilt-free rest.

00:00 Introduction: The Myth of Millennial Retirement

00:40 The 90s Dream vs. Millennial Reality

01:24 Financial Struggles and Unrealistic Expectations

02:08 Generational Comparisons and Coping Mechanisms

03:37 Redefining Retirement and Finding Joy

04:40 Conclusion: Rethinking the Finish Line

In this heartfelt episode of Millennial Diary, Alex dives into the unseen scars toxic workplaces leave behind. After a hiatus, Alex addresses the struggle of carrying workplace trauma even after leaving a toxic environment. From hypervigilance and anxiety to the small, constant erosions of self-worth, this episode explores how these experiences shape our mental health and professional lives. Alex contrasts the millennial experience with the more outspoken and boundary-setting Gen Z, offering insights into healing and fostering healthier work environments. Tune in to understand, reflect, and find steps toward recovery from past job traumas. Don’t miss it!

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back

00:29 The Lingering Effects of Toxic Workplaces

01:37 Personal Experiences and Reflections

02:03 Cultural Depictions vs. Reality

02:37 The Lasting Impact of Toxic Work Environments

03:19 Generational Differences in Handling Work Trauma

03:49 Steps Towards Healing

05:15 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

In this episode of ‘Find a Millennial Diary,’ Alex challenges the stigma around quitting and explores how it can be a powerful act of self-respect. Society has ingrained in us the belief that enduring is equated to strength, but often, quitting can be the bravest decision one can make. From toxic workplaces to unsatisfying careers, walking away isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a step towards freedom and mental well-being. Tune in as Alex dissects why quitting should be seen through a new lens and touches on the contrasting approaches between Millennials and Gen Z.

00:00 Introduction: The Stigma of Quitting

00:45 Childhood Lessons on Quitting

01:16 The Reality of Endurance

01:43 Pop Culture’s Take on Quitting

02:16 Generational Differences in Quitting

03:09 Reframing Quitting as Freedom

03:35 Conclusion: Quitting as Self-Respect

04:06 Next Episode Teaser: Toxic Workplaces

In this episode of 'This is Fine: A Millennial Diary,' Alex delves into the deep-rooted issue of equating productivity with self-worth, especially prevalent among millennials. With insights on how our upbringing in the 90s ingrained the culture of constant achievement, the episode uncovers how we've turned busy living into a personality trait. Highlighting the stark contrast between millennials and Gen Z, Alex discusses how the younger generation is challenging the grind culture. By stripping away the need for constant productivity, we can rediscover joy, embrace rest without guilt, and remember who we are beyond our accomplishments. Tune in to explore the liberating power of walking away from toxic environments and rewiring our sense of worth.

00:00 Introduction: Questioning Our Productivity Identity

00:55 The Myth of Constant Achievement

02:32 The Rebranding of Rest

03:38 Generational Shifts in Work Culture

04:31 Rediscovering Joy Beyond Productivity

05:11 Conclusion: Embracing Our True Selves

05:31 Next Episode Teaser: The Power of Quitting

In this episode of 'This Is Fine,' Alex dives deep into why a generation dreams of opting out of the workforce entirely. Reflecting on the burnout faced by millennials, the video explores the impact of economic turmoil, stagnant wages, and work culture. Alex discusses the appeal of financial independence, the longing for freedom, and how Gen Z is normalizing the conversation about detaching self-worth from labor. Tune in to understand why many crave a life beyond the grind and the pursuit of dignity outside of productivity. Don't forget to subscribe and share this episode!

00:00 Introduction: The Millennial Dilemma

01:02 The Burnout Generation

01:45 The Desire for Freedom

03:19 Cultural Influences and Changing Perspectives

04:08 Generational Differences in Attitudes Towards Work

04:57 The Double-Edged Sword of Entrepreneurship

05:12 Reimagining Work and Productivity

05:35 Conclusion: A Call for Freedom