I look at the last ten years of young person's lives and wonder how the next ten will go.  In 1933, I was 11. Ten years later a humdinger of a war was winding down.  

My  young friend was 16 when 911 happened. She and her husband managed to remain civilians, but it was difficult to be sure of jobs.  They nibbled but never bit on the mortgage snare.  Finally, her job seems more promising--despite erratic hours and no perks.  

He, the epitome of "work ethnic" chose sensibly and is hacking through higher rent and vehicle costs.  Most of their schoolmates and many of their relatives landed differently, many headed toward the safety net or the national guard.  

Older relatives are possibly bankrupt, especially if they refinanced and overmaxed on credit cards.  Ten percent--officially--in unemployment in East Tennessee is still the norm.  Schools are stressed to make budget.  

Don't worry.  Be happy. Maybe it will all turn out all right.  There's just one wrinkle.  Since the Blue Dogs are retiring, what color is coming up next?