While older generations have had to trade in their dreams for job security, Millennials--spoiled and self-entitled brats that we are--refuse to relegate our aspirations to 9-5 shift. Increasingly, we are venturing out into the work force and off the beaten path. We're leaving our comfort zones to take a chance on ourselves. We're branding our own identities, turning side hustles into burgeoning businesses. We're changing what it means to work hard--and having fun in the process.

Sure, the economy we've inherited offers few promises. It's a sobering reality that 37 percent of us are either unemployed or out of the work force. And, though we may be oddly upbeat about such grim statistics, it's only because we have such confidence in our own ability.

Times have changed since the days when Boomers and Xers were, respectively, perceived as the problem children of American life, but unfortunately, one thing remains the same: criticizing the younger generation. And while it may be hard to understand Gen Y's way of thinking about our future, that's all the more reason to watch us in action.

Saaret E. Yoseph, a proud member of the Millennial generation, is The Root's assistant editor.

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