Millennials are often painted as a generation of slackers who inevitably blame the world when they can't find a job, housing is too expensive and they aren't given enough opportunities.
DESIREE SAVAGE spoke to four young Illawarra entrepreneurs who are grabbing the bull by the horns in business and in life, and smashing stereotypes along the way.
CHASE, 24
The 21-year-old barista was told the cafe he worked in was planning to close down, but instead of complaining about losing his job, he found a better solution: open his own business.
Rather than spend his savings on a working holiday, Chase Murray opened Alexander's Cafe in Dapto.
The now 24-year-old recalls it was a huge learning curve as he'd never been "in charge" of anything before, but he took the bull by the horns.
With only two employees to begin with (his mum and dad), the business "started off with a bang".
Today he’s proud his parents are no longer on the payroll, though his workforce has grown to 14 inside the Princes Highway shopfront.
His love for customer service and coffee inspired him to take a risk, admitting he never thought about the negatives and only focused on the positives that would come.
Motivation to succeed came from the encouragement and support from the Dapto community, especially from customers who knew him from his last post as a barista in the mall.
Mr Murray is now secretary of the Dapto Chamber of Commerce and is planning to open a second cafe.
“For myself, being in the chamber will create opportunities to get involved in what’s going on in the business community,” he said.
“Another reason I like being in the chamber is because I can help attract more people to the area, as the more businesses there are in Dapto the more people would want to stay.”
The entrepreneur believes if you put your mind to something you can do it, just be prepared.
He suggested getting a business plan together in case any “snags” pop up, such as when he discovered moving a wall was going to be more costly than first thought.
“I realised 'wow, I need to foresee any future interruptions’ … because there’s a lot to get sorted out before you open the doors,” Mr Murray said.
“And have a good balance … you see the business side clearer if you have a personal life too, work on the business not just in it.”
James, 21
When most of his friends were misbehaving at 18th birthday parties and throwing money at the Illawarra Hotel bar, James Needham was purchasing his first property.
Now at 21, he's onto his second.
Mr Needham agreed most people his age were more concerned about having a good time rather than focusing on career or setting the foundations for their life.
"[Young people] cry that they can’t afford to do anything but don’t want to sacrifice going out every night," he said.
The apprentice fitter at BlueScope said for years he’d dreamed of owning a piece of real estate but thought that dream was out of reach.
“I never thought I’d really be able to afford it,” he said.
However, when his grandparents were selling their two-bedroom apartment at a prime location on Smith Street in Wollongong, he decided to accept the challenge and jump into the property market.
Trying to secure a home loan at a young age on a small income proved difficult at first, his initial meeting with a bank not as positive as he’d first hoped. But persistence paid off.
“It’s hard if you don’t try,” Mr Needham said. “I got given that opportunity so thought 'I have to seize it’.”
After going through a broker, and deciding to use the apartment as an investment and stay living at home, he was given the go ahead.
Mr Needham may have swapped crazy nights out with the boys for more chilled nights in, but he said he’s still been able to have a fun life, he just can’t party every night of the week.
Currently he’s renovating his second property, a two-bedroom townhouse in Gwynneville, so he and his girlfriend can move in.
He hopes to add more real estate to his portfolio and build on the equity he already has, perhaps even become a millionaire by the time he turns 30.
His advice for anyone wanting to do the same, “just go for it!”“You’d be surprised of what you can do rather than just sitting there.”
RYLEY, 23 & CAMERON, 28
Music teachers Ryley Gillen and Cameron Zingel set out to "fill a void" two years ago, by creating a community orchestra for the Illawarra.
Their company Illawarra On Pointe Productions has officially launched this year with their biggest feat about to come to life.
The Nutcracker is the first time the pair have brought together a full orchestra and dance troupe, with a production budget of around $40,000.
The ballet, playing at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre from July 22 to 24, will bring together 60 dancers, 40 musicians, a 20 piece choir plus many backstage helpers.
“It's been a mammoth task,” said 23-year-old Gillen.
He and Mr Zingel, 28, decided to up the ante after the success of two instrumental productions and are excited they’ve been able to pull it off.
Mr Zingel believes attitude plays a huge part in whether a person is likely to succeed at something.
“I know I’ve needed to work for what I’ve wanted to get rather than expect things to happen for me,” he said.
Both agreed the theatre and arts community have been more than happy to lend a hand and support their largest endeavour.
“People have been so supportive of what we’re trying to achieve … and happy to be involved in something that’s so giving to the community,” Mr Zingel said.
The pair already have a production in mind for 2017, providing ticket sales to The Nutcracker go well.
When talking to these four millennials one thing was constant from each conversation, roadblocks didn’t mean the end of the world as they were bound to happen.
All of them agreed when times get tough, ask for help.
“Have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and ask directly for assistance. You’d be surprised how many will lend a hand,” Mr Zingel said.
