Yes, I am a Millennial. I am here to say that my generation has been underestimated. Much has been written about us and not all of it has been good. We have been described as the “entitled generation.” That is far from the truth. The fact is, we only reflect how society has changed. We are driven, to a large degree, by technology that is the fabric of our lives.

We understand how fortunate we are to be able to access almost any information we need and can connect with people across the world instantaneously. It has opened possibilities and opportunities that allow us to shape our lives and not wait for life to just happen.

I appreciate how much more difficult it has been for my parents. Like most of the Baby Boomer generation, their expectations were to work at the same company 40-50 years and then have enough money to retire in comfort. Like many others, that is not how it worked out.

Like many Boomers who followed this path, they discovered that the loyalty they showed to their company was not reciprocated. Jobs were lost when companies moved their production overseas. What was to have been a phenomenal retirement ended up with them needing to work at survival jobs. Not the life they imagined.

That is why I am different. That is why our generation looks at life and opportunities differently. We work to live not live to work. Yes, I want many of the same things my parents wanted, but I am not willing to fight and claw at the corporate ladder for 40-50 years just to see it taken away. I plan to control my fate and destiny. I will make choices that will give me a livelihood that will 1) allow me to have the freedom to work where and when I want, 2) allow me to utilize the technology that has freed my generation, and 3) allow me to have a personal life that is shared by my friends.

Like many of my generation, I was looking for a business model that allowed for all three. I quickly found that I spent four years getting a degree for a profession that is not fulfilling. Maybe in 20 years I could achieve the money and position that I know I am qualified for, but I am not willing to wait my turn. By the time that comes around, my college loans will have consumed most of my disposable income.

What I looked for and have found were opportunities in commercial real estate that has unlocked my future. It is perfect for my generation, because I can use the internet to discover commercial real estate opportunities without having to rely on any third party. If you know where to look and what to look for, the information is at your disposal, whether you are at a coffee shop or visiting a friend. Just open your Mac or browse on your IPhone. If you don’t know, the shortest way to find this out is through a coach or mentor.

While I did not start out with a lot of cash (I managed to have saved some), it wasn’t necessary to start my journey in commercial real estate investment.

I managed to find individuals to partner with who had money but lacked the time or ability to find and manage some of the properties. It just shows you that Boomers and Millennials can work together.

Does this all sound too good to be true? How does a 27-year-old figure out how to start a commercial real estate business? It is like how most people figure it out, I found some good coaches and mentors. They showed me the ropes and helped me learn what to look for in a commercial real estate property and when to walk away. They taught me how to analyze and negotiate a deal. They also helped find people who had the financial resources to partner with me.

If you are Millennial who knows that there is more and are not willing to wait your turn, check out Commercial Academy courses. There is one to fit your budget. Don’t let others dictate how long you need to work before you succeed.