In an era where technology lets you order a mango shake at 2 am, track your REM cycles with scientific precision, and even outsource college assignments to artificial intelligence, one thing remains strangely unevolved: the financial independence of young adults. This is the same generation that can decode algorithms, create cinematic-level video edits, and debate geopolitics on Instagram reels — yet somehow freezes when asked to pay an electricity bill. They can binge an entire web series in a single night but mysteriously lose all stamina when it comes to earning their own money. Coincidence? Unlikely.
The data paints an even sharper picture. A 2023 YouGov survey revealed that nearly 65 per cent of Indians aged 18 to 29 rely on their parents for financial support, even for non-essential spending like gadgets, outings and travel. The 2024 BankBazaar Aspiration Index adds another layer: 71 per cent of urban youth prioritise lifestyle upgrades over financial security. Put together, the reality is clearer than a freshly reset smartphone — many young Indians aren’t struggling; they’re simply comfortable in their dependence.
The only thing growing faster than India’s digital ecosystem is the invisible EMI plan Indian parents seem to run indefinitely for their adult children. Millennials may have invented hustle culture, but Gen Z has turned hustling into playful “side quests.” Today’s youth live in a peculiar contradiction: they crave financial freedom but not the discipline it demands. They dream of solo trips to Europe but consider full-time jobs emotionally draining. They happily spend `350 on a cold brew but transform into expert negotiators when asked to contribute `1,000 towards groceries.
And who sustains this prolonged adolescence? Indian parents — affectionate, protective and eternally hopeful. They cling to the belief that their children need “just one more year” before they become independent. This has quietly become the longest “one more year” ever recorded. Ironically, these parents grew up budgeting without apps, saving without reminders, and dealing with gas-cylinder queues. Meanwhile, today’s youth need multiple planners and apps simply to track their subscriptions.
Part of the issue is cultural. In India, dependency is not only accepted but often encouraged. There is no urgency to move out at 18, no pressure to split rent, and certainly no embarrassment in borrowing money for a smartphone that costs more than many entry-level salaries. With free Wi-Fi, free meals and free laundry, few young adults feel compelled to trade comfort for rent, bills and unpredictability.
To be fair, rising inflation, underpaid internships and mismatched salaries do contribute to genuine strain. Yet dependence often stretches beyond necessity into cushioned convenience. This dependence also erodes confidence. Career choices, savings habits and investment decisions are frequently shaped by parents, leaving young adults without the assurance that comes from earning and managing their own money.
Beneath the humour lies a serious truth: independence isn’t granted; it is built. True freedom isn’t about opinions—it’s about paying your own bills without asking for a bailout “just this once.”
The writer is an educator; views are personal
