Gen Z Refuses To Do 9 Things Older Generations Haven't Fully Realized Aren't Good For You
Airam Dato-on | PexelsGenerational differences are often used to explain even the most ordinary social shifts.
While they're not all supported by science or sociology, we've clung to them to craft stereotypes about how our older and younger peers operate. Not everything will resonate with each person, but there are some patterns in what Gen Zers refuse to do that older generations haven't fully realized aren't good for you yet.
Gen Z refuses to do these things that older generations haven't yet realized aren't good for you
1. Suppress mental health struggles
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Many older generations are still operating under a strict mental health stigma that urges them to shove down complicated emotions and avoid conversations about how they're feeling.
While plenty of Gen Zers don't have all the answers or resources to process every single emotion, generationally they're more likely to push back against and unwind mental health stigma.
2. Keep everything private
Younger generations are finding a way to breathe more life into conversations around money and family issues that have consistently been kept private with older generations. They're not afraid to speak openly about these things that others suffer in silence about, even if it means seeking support and advice from others.
While older generations protect their privacy and consider it somewhat of a virtue, it's something Gen Zers refuse to participate in, especially in a hyper-digital age.
3. Always opt for generic bargains
Older generations raised in frugal homes tend to form mindsets around money that are rooted in sacrifice. Looking for a bargain and choosing generic foods over name-brand ones is typically a healthy behavior, but sometimes, when sacrifice comes at the expense of well-being, it's not healthy at all.
Younger people tend to care more about nutrition and organic foods, which is why they're willing to splurge on groceries in the name of health. But older generations haven't all realized that generic products aren't always worth the savings, especially when it comes to physical health.
4. Stay at a company for loyalty's sake
Younger generations are known for job-hopping, not necessarily because they're not committed to hard work, but because they're leading with their own interests and skills in mind instead of company loyalty.
They're not afraid to step away from a job if they're not being compensated well or wish to seek out new skills and opportunities. Even if older colleagues don't agree, they're not willing to sacrifice their happiness.
They want to humanize themselves in the workplace and invest in their own careers, while older generations tend to want to prove loyalty and climb the corporate ladder. One is not inherently better than the other, but when proving loyalty comes at an employee's well-being, it can create long-term consequences.
5. Save up all their PTO
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Gen Zers tend to use more of the time off from work that they're entitled to than older generations, even if that means occasionally using their sick time for a mental health day. While older generations tend to save and wait for an annual vacation, Gen Zers protect their rest and recovery time by opting for more frequent, short vacations and stints off from work.
There are very clear generational differences in what hard work means, but many older folks haven't yet realized just how insidious their working habits and burnout risks are for their well-being. Even saving up their PTO can come back to haunt their health.
6. Set boundaries with family
Many older people have incredibly strong family values, many of which influence their decision to be private and to work hard to provide for the people at home. They're willing to put a lot of time and energy into protecting those relationships, even when they aren't happy as a result.
History and ancestry are obligations to older generations, whereas Gen Zers tend to let relationships grow apart. They choose to set boundaries when the effort and work don't change their dynamic.
There's a threshold between calling someone toxic to avoid hard conversations and actually needing the space for no-contact relationships. But young people are actively working to destigmatize stepping away from unhealthy family dynamics.
7. Avoid preventative healthcare and doctors
With increased health awareness and access to information, it's not a surprise that younger generations are working to break stigma around physical and mental health care. When things like telehealth visits and vaccinations at convenience stores are available, they can protect their health with preventative measures without having to inconvenience themselves.
They're not shoving things under the rug and working through sickness as a badge of honor like their parents and grandparents often did. Gen Zers and millennials face a lot of financial barriers, but that doesn't mean they're not still taking action in their own ways.
8. Boast exhaustion and burnout
Baby boomers and many Gen Xers often perceive sacrifice and overworking as obligations in their careers, while sacrificing their personal time and well-being. Not only does that inform their workplace behaviors, but also their career trajectories. It shifts how long they stay with a company or the kind of loyalty they're willing to show.
Gen Zers are much more focused on crafting flexibility and a strong sense of work-life balance. They're not coming to work when they're sick or consistently staying late.
9. Say 'yes' to every social invitation
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Gen Zers are collectively known as the most isolated generation, but their views around social obligations and manners have shifted from other generations in a somewhat healthy way. Instead of forcing themselves to say yes to every social invitation and family gathering, they're careful about their boundaries to protect their energy.
While the term "protect your peace" can sometimes spiral out of control and force people to lean into convenient habits that harm their relationships, there's a healthy middle ground that everyone could benefit from. Even if that means sometimes staying home or canceling plans to rest and recover, it's not a bad thing to not show your face at everything you're invited to.
Zayda Slabbekoorn is a senior editorial strategist with a bachelor's degree in social relations & policy and gender studies who focuses on psychology, relationships, self-help, and human interest stories.
