Gen X & Boomer Parents Keep Trying To Pass Down 8 Pieces Of Life Advice, But Times Have Seriously Changed
Olena Yakobchuk | ShutterstockBoomer and Gen X parents keep trying to give their kids life advice that's no longer relevant to modern times. In fact, data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that people between the ages of 25 and 34 are unable to reach the societal milestones that were a normal part of everyday life back in the 1900s.
Young people are finishing college with instant debt. They struggle to find a job in an oversaturated market, dating is a disaster, and many can't afford to buy a home. While they mean well, older generations have tried to offer the wisdom of ages, but unfortunately it's just not landing with authority. Their kids don’t have the same opportunities they once had.
Life advice that boomer and Gen X parents keep trying to pass on to their kids that simply doesn't work in today's world:
1. Settle down early
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When boomers and Gen Xers were growing up, there was pressure to settle down. The traditional family model of a husband, wife, and a few kids was portrayed on television and pushed by the people in their lives. They were taught to settle down early and start that lifestyle, even if that wasn’t what they wanted to do.
While they may try to pass that advice to their kids, the truth is that younger generations prefer to stay single. 46% of surveyed Gen Zers were single and were happily choosing this lifestyle. Even if they wanted to settle down early, things like economic conditions and career commitment could stand in the way.
2. Be loyal to a company to move up the corporate ladder
Boomers were especially loyal to their employers, Perdue Global found. They believed that by paying their dues in the workplace, they would reach success. Notorious for working long hours, they often put their jobs before family. They dedicated themselves to a company to move ahead. While Gen X was the start of integrating work-life balance, they still showed some loyalty to their employers.
Younger generations couldn’t be more different. They have a reputation for being job hoppers, but the truth is, they refuse to put up with a toxic workplace. They will revenge quit if they are unhappy with the work environment and structure at a company.
3. Save every penny you can
On paper, this is great advice. Having money saved for a rainy day is something we all should have. Sadly, younger generations are having a hard time paying their bills, let alone creating a savings account. Instead of relying on their parents, Gen Z is working hard to support themselves. This is coming at a cost to their wallets.
They’re living paycheck to paycheck, which doesn’t allow them to save up. A survey found that even those with six-figure incomes were paying astronomical amounts in rent, car payments, and student loans, and were unable to put anything in the bank.
4. Don’t wait to have children
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Having children used to carry more weight in society. A few generations before boomers, parents had to have as many kids as possible to help with their businesses and household duties. Now, having children is seen as optional, but parents are still pressuring their adult kids to start families as early as possible.
The average age boomers became parents was 25, but younger generations are putting it off or staying childless altogether. A Pew Research Center poll found that younger people are questioning if they want to have their own children. 30% of those 18-to 34-year-olds without children were unsure whether they wanted to have kids in the future, and 18% said they didn’t want to have them at all.
5. Keep your head down and don’t complain
Having respect for authority is something boomers and Gen Xers were taught when they were kids. It’s not surprising that they would want to pass this down to their children. However, our social environment has changed significantly, and younger generations are finding that complaining may actually work to fix the systems they think are broken.
Younger generations are jaded by the economy and working conditions they are expected to embrace because their parents did. They aren’t afraid to use their voice to bring change. Keeping their head down and following the status quo isn’t in the cards for them.
6. Just work hard, and you’ll succeed financially
How many times have you heard an older person say something about pulling yourself up by the bootstraps? They believe that with hard work comes success, because it did when they were growing up. Improving their lives by working harder was more attainable. The economy was different, job opportunities were more abundant, and household items were affordable. They felt they were the masters of their own destinies because they could be, and expected the same from the younger generations.
It’s not the reality for many young people. The image portrayed by the generations before them of paving their own way and escaping financial woes with hard work isn’t common. Now, it’s an uneven starting line, with some people having resources handed to them. Meanwhile, others struggle to get through each day, living paycheck to paycheck to float by.
7. Stay in a relationship and work through it no matter what
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I was raised by Gen Xers who were not meant to be together. This is a common thing between couples; it just doesn’t work out in the long run. However, they felt like they had to stay together for me. The impact of not giving a two-parent home scared them more than being unhappy. While I appreciate their sacrifice, I am so happy they chose to split up, as they are both in much better places while still respecting each other.
Young people are putting themselves first. Major motivators for their happiness are finding purpose within themselves, having their basic needs met, avoiding negative interactions with others, and fostering positive social connections. They’re not afraid to walk away from a situation that doesn’t suit them.
8. Never voice your opinion
Parenting when boomers and Gen X were coming of age was more authoritarian. They were expected to follow the rules put in place or face consequences. Children were told to fall in line because it was in their best interest. Giving their opinion or talking back wasn’t an option.
As adults, they may refrain from sharing their opinions to avoid conflict. However, psychology shows that giving an opinion humanizes people to others. It helps us understand each other, which may be why younger generations are more forward with their feelings.
Haley Van Horn is a freelance writer with a master’s degree in Humanities, living in Los Angeles. Her focus includes entertainment and lifestyle stories.
