F.T.L. 'failure to launch' (into adult autonomy)

[Mark A. Mandel]

(And I only knew it as "faster than light".)

>From the NY Times:

        >>>

December 22, 2003
For More People in 20's and 30's, Home Is Where the Parents Are
By TAMAR LEWIN

        [...]

Nancy Dye, president of Oberlin College, said that whereas most graduates
used to go straight on to graduate school, having chosen at least a
preliminary career path, many now stick around, uncertain of their
direction. A few years ago, she said, "students came up with a new term,
F.T.L. failure to launch."

In interviews with dozens of 20-somethings, most say they share a sense
that there is no right time to have completed their education, lived on
their own or gotten married, that such fixed expectations have no place in
their lives. And many see it as beneficial to step slowly and gradually
into adult life.

        [...]

Copyright 2003 The New York Times Company

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-- Mark A. Mandel