Why This Generation X'er Chose Small Town Living to Raise Her Family

I am a member of a confused generation, otherwise known as generation X. As a group we don't completely subscribe to our parents' baby boomer view of the American dream, yet we can't figure out what our own should be. We were raised to believe that feelings are important, credit's okay, time is money, and our options are endless. We grew up while wireless and internet communications were evolving, when reality TV became more than just the nightly news, when you could buy the exact same cup of coffee in any city.

Our parents have more money than any other generation in America. Our mothers burned their bras and demanded equality in the workforce. They believed they deserved to have it all. Our parents realized two incomes brought in more money than one, and the single family car was replaced by a couple of Suburbans. With nobody at home we were shuttled from school to activities that would keep us busy until the workday ended. Family dinners became meals on the go or a trip to the fast food joint. When we rebelled or acted out, our parents read the latest advice by Dr. Spock, and an appointment to the family shrink was squeezed into the schedule. No doubt our parents wanted the best that money could buy for us.

While our parents earned the most money in American history, we have the dubious honor of spending money we don't have. We have maxed out our credit on things we don't need. Every gadget imaginable is at our disposal to keep us connected to the world, yet some of us feel a deep sense of loneliness. We drive cars, wear clothes and take jobs that, we hope, show the world who we are. When no one is watching though, very few of us know who that is.