Why Generations Need to Stop Bitching About Younger Generations

Alright, let’s cut the crap. It’s time we all stop bitching about younger generations and actually take a good, hard look in the mirror. The constant whining about how “messed up” Gen Z or Millennials are is getting old and frankly, it’s counterproductive.

Let’s start with some numbers. Did you know that 34% of the youngest working generation didn’t report income last year? That’s up from 22% back in 1990. Instead of just griping about it, maybe we should ask ourselves why this is happening. What conditions did we, the older generations, create that led to this?

And let’s talk tattoos. Only 22% of Boomers have tattoos, compared to 32% of Gen X, and a whopping 45% of Millennials. Tattoos are a form of expression, a way for people to be seen and heard. So, what’s with the judgment? We need to understand that the rise in tattoo popularity isn’t just a trend; it’s a statement. It’s a demand for visibility and recognition in a world that often wants to put people in boxes.

Instead of each generation talking shit about the younger ones and how “f*cked up” they are, let’s spend some time understanding our roles in creating these conditions. What does it say about the world we’ve provided for Gen Z and soon-to-be Gen Alpha when their top concerns are health care, mental health, higher education, economic security, civic engagement, racial equity, the environment, and gun violence? These issues didn’t just pop up out of nowhere. They’re the result of decades of decisions made by the older generations.

I remember the negative crap said about my generation, Gen X, by Boomers. We were labeled as slackers, accused of lacking work ethic, and dismissed as cynical and disaffected. Lucky for me, my family didn’t feed me that garbage. They encouraged me and made me believe I could do anything. Imagine if we all did that for the younger generations instead of tearing them down. 

Just as we were misunderstood in our youth, so too are Millennials and Gen Z today. It’s time to recognize that every generation faces its own challenges and expresses itself differently. Instead of perpetuating outdated stereotypes, let’s foster an environment of support and understanding. After all, their quest for balance, fulfillment, and a better world is something we should all be striving for.

Think about it! Why is Gen Z is all about balance, fulfillment and a better world? Because they’ve seen their parents and grandparents slog through jobs they hated, lives filled with stress and dissatisfaction. They’ve witnessed the toll that lack of balance takes on mental health. It’s no wonder they prioritize well-being and fulfillment over the traditional metrics of success. Mental illness is claiming more lives every day, and this generation isn’t willing to ignore it anymore. They’re pushing for change because they understand that a fulfilling life isn’t just about a paycheck; it’s about mental and emotional health, too.

I often find myself stopping and staring at my son, just listening to him. He’s only 11, but he can teach me everything I need to learn to be a better person. Why wouldn’t I listen to him? Because he’s young? That’s exactly why I should listen. His perspective is fresh, unjaded by years of cynicism. The younger generation’s future is as bright as ever, and we can all help them make this world a better place by starting to both listen and act accordingly.

The workforce is evolving rapidly, and by 2030, it’s going to look very different. Automation and artificial intelligence are set to take over routine tasks, making creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence more valuable than ever. The gig economy will continue to grow, with more people working freelance or part-time. Remote work will likely be the norm, allowing people to work from anywhere in the world.

Demographically, the workforce will be more diverse than ever. By 2030, women are expected to make up nearly half of the labor force. Additionally, racial and ethnic diversity will increase, with Hispanic, Asian, and multiracial populations growing significantly. This diverse and inclusive workforce will bring a wealth of perspectives and ideas, driving innovation and growth.

Companies will need to focus on flexibility, offering employees the ability to balance their work and personal lives. Diversity and inclusion will be crucial, as a multicultural and multigenerational workforce brings a wealth of perspectives and ideas. The emphasis will be on continuous learning and adaptability, with workers needing to reskill and upskill throughout their careers.

The point is, each generation is shaped by the ones before it. If we could all spend more time controlling what we can control — caring for the future rather than our own immediate interests — we’d be better off. The world was once believed to be flat, so what “truths” are we holding onto that are complete bullshit?

It’s also worth noting that the younger generations are more connected and informed than ever before. They have access to a world of information at their fingertips, and they’re using it to make more informed decisions about their lives and futures. They’re not just sitting back and accepting the status quo; they’re questioning it, challenging it, and striving for something better.

We need to knock it off with the generational bashing. Let’s focus on understanding, supporting, and improving the conditions for the younger generations. That’s the only way we’re going to create a world where everyone can thrive. So, stop bitching and start building. It’s time to get our priorities straight.

So, instead of complaining about how different and “difficult” the younger generations are, maybe it’s time to ask ourselves what we can learn from them. Maybe it’s time to recognize that their quest for balance, fulfillment, and a better world is something we should all be striving for. Let’s support their efforts, address the issues they care about, and work together to create a better future for everyone.