Young Adults Ditched Marriage for Rent and Debt Therapy
In a thrilling plot twist worthy of American modern life, less than a quarter of 25–34-year-olds have nailed the classic 'grow up' checklist of moving out, marrying, and popping out kids, per census folks Paul Hemez and Jonathan Vespa. Once celebrated markers like a shiny wedding ring have gracefully bowed out, now replaced by the less glamorous quest for job security and solo apartment survival. With young adults prioritizing paying off debt and finding jobs over starting families, it’s safe to say the American Dream wardrobe is currently more 'business casual' and less 'fairytale gown.'
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(1 of 3)Hold my student loans! Young adults have flipped the script: job first, marriage last. Apparently, living solo with debt beats living happily-ever-after with a wedding hashtag.
Guess the new family photo is just a couch, a stack of bills, and a resume. Millennials and Gen Z found out adulting’s not so picture-perfect without financial security.
Back in '75, getting hitched was the trophy. Today? It's surviving rent and job markets without crying in your taco. Welcome to elite adulting where marriage is an optional side quest.
Source: Axios | Published: 8/23/2025 | Author: Erica Pandey
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