Designed as a series of intimate conversations, the Weekender Living Room convenes writers, thinkers and other interesting personalities in a setting made to feel less like a formal stage and more like being invited into someone’s living room.

For its second installment, the Weekender Living Room was held on Oct. 17 at JP Live! Space, taking the theme of "Is This It? Work, Money, and the Future We Were Promised", which highlighted the shared anxieties surrounding work, financial sustainability, and systemic disappointment in modern Indonesia.

As the subject matter is arguably a universal experience shared across generations, the panelists also span generations, including lawyer, writer and Weekender contributor Tia Monica Sihotang representing Gen Z; VP of HR at MAKA Amelia Dessita representing Millennials; author of Filosofi Teras Henry Manampiring and a Gen X; as well as fellow Gen X Aninditta “Anin” Savitry, former columnist for The Jakarta Post’s “Work it Right”. The session was moderated by The Jakarta Post’s president and chief revenue officer Maggie Tiojakin, herself a Millennial.

Throughout the afternoon, the conversation touched on topics such as the tension between what was promised and the reality faced by each generation, including the breakdown of the traditionally linear towards what is perceived as success, the shift in workplace culture and roles, as well as geopolitical factors that distinctly shaped every decade.

As the youngest on the panel, Tia shared that she was perplexed that life in her late 20s was nothing like she envisioned. While she has written about how side gigs on top of a full-time job has become essential for many workers, Tia observed that that was not the case for her parents’ generation.

At the same time, Henry also highlighted how those who worked hard can get passed over those with connections, which he said could explain why the younger generation can become more cynical.

From an HR perspective, Amelia underlined that as the only constant in life is change, attendees would do well to embrace adaptability and mutual respect.

The session concluded with Maggie’s parting words on the importance of persevering, connecting and holding on to shared values. Quoting the climate activist Greta Thunberg, she noted that when we struggle together, the possibilities are endless.

The upcoming Weekender Living Room conversation will take you into the heart of storytelling from lived experience and daily observations. Pallavi Aiyar, the voice behind our hit column, LITTLE BIG THINGS, will speak with Weekender editors, Maggie Tiojakin and Jet Damazo, next Tuesday, Oct. 27, at JP Live! Space.

Don’t miss it. Join our live conversation at bit.ly/LIVINGROOM3

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