As we move toward the end of the first decade of the twenty-first century, members of the largest generation in American history, the Millennials, will enter their thirties.  And in many ways, they will face more challenges as mature adults than they did in their freewheeling twenties.

Specifically, Millennials will find themselves folded into a sandwich, caught between the demands of work and family.  Told in their twenties to explore their career choices, they may still lack fulfillment in their current job situation and want to find an occupation they feel passionate about.  

At the same time, the baby boomer brain drain will leave many companies rudderless, and Millennials will be thrust into leadership positions that increase their levels of responsibility and accountability.  Millennials face a mountain a debt from school loans and escalating housing costs, and are pressured to save for retirement now because of the impending demise of social security.  Most savvy young Americans will put off getting married and having children until their late 20s or early 30s, and just as the needs of their immediate family come to the forefront, their baby boomer parents will increasingly require their attention and care.

Taking all of these factors together, it’s easy to see why seventy-five million thirty-somethings could be headed for a breakdown at some point in the next 5-10 years.  My question to Millennials is: if you think your life is tough now, are you ready for what’s next?