Every generation has its own way of doing things, but there are some opinions that seem almost universally tied to the boomer mindset.
Whether it’s their views on work, technology, or how things used to be better, these ideas tend to pop up again and again. Of course, not every boomer fits the stereotype, but if you’ve ever had a conversation with one and found yourself nodding along (or secretly rolling your eyes), chances are you’ve heard a few of these.
1. Young people just don’t want to work hard.
One of the most common boomer beliefs is that younger generations are simply lazy and unwilling to put in the effort. They love to talk about how they worked three jobs, walked to school in the snow, and never complained.
What’s often ignored is how much the job market has changed. Wages haven’t kept up with inflation, work-life balance is more valued, and younger people aren’t as willing to burn themselves out just to say they did. Working smarter, not harder, isn’t a lack of work ethic—it’s just adapting to the times.
2. If you just stop eating out, you can afford a house.
Many boomers genuinely believe that homeownership is just a matter of cutting back on small luxuries, as if skipping a £5 coffee will somehow close the gap on a £50,000 deposit.
They’re thinking back to a time when house prices were far lower compared to wages. These days, even the most frugal lifestyle won’t magically make housing affordable when prices have skyrocketed while salaries haven’t kept up.
3. Anything new is unnecessary and overcomplicated.
From contactless payments to streaming services, boomers are often sceptical about new technology, usually insisting that “the old way was just fine.” They’re the ones still writing cheques in a world where everything is digital.
While some advancements do take getting used to, a lot of modern conveniences genuinely make life easier. Clinging to outdated methods just because they’re familiar doesn’t make them better—it just makes them harder to use when the rest of the world moves on.
4. If it’s not a ‘real job,’ it doesn’t count.
Many boomers struggle to take modern careers seriously unless they fit the traditional mould of a 9-to-5 office job or hands-on trade. Anything involving social media, freelancing, or remote work often gets dismissed as “not a real job.”
The reality is that plenty of people make a full-time living in these fields. The work landscape has evolved, and success no longer looks like staying in the same company for 40 years. Just because they don’t understand how someone makes money doesn’t mean it’s not legitimate.
5. Kids these days are too sensitive.
One of the biggest generational divides is over social awareness. Boomers often view younger generations as “too soft” because they call out offensive jokes, prioritise mental health, and push for inclusivity.
What they often miss is that times change, and what was once accepted isn’t necessarily right. Being aware of other people’s experiences isn’t about being fragile—it’s about creating a world where people are treated with more respect.
6. Everyone needs to settle down by 30.
To a lot of boomers, there’s a set life path: get married, buy a house, and have kids—all preferably before hitting your 30s. Anyone who doesn’t follow this timeline is often seen as irresponsible or immature.
But life doesn’t work on a one-size-fits-all timeline anymore. Financial realities have shifted, priorities have changed, and more people are choosing to wait (or skip traditional milestones altogether). Happiness isn’t about ticking off a checklist—it’s about finding what works for you.
7. University isn’t worth it—unless it’s in a ‘proper’ subject.
Many boomers have conflicting views on higher education. On one hand, they’ll tell you university is a waste of time and money. On the other, they’ll scoff at any degree that isn’t law, medicine, or engineering.
The truth is, while education costs have soared, many careers still require degrees. And plenty of people succeed in creative or less traditional fields. The idea that only a handful of subjects are “worth” studying is outdated—success isn’t limited to a few professions.
8. Young people don’t know how to talk to each other anymore.
Because younger generations communicate through texts, social media, and video calls, boomers often assume that no one knows how to have a “proper” conversation anymore.
But communication has just evolved. People still form deep connections, just in different ways. Dismissing new forms of social interaction ignores the fact that technology has actually made it easier for many people to stay connected.
9. DIY is always better than paying a professional.
Many boomers swear by the idea that anything can be fixed with some determination and a YouTube tutorial. Plumbing, electrics, car repairs—if you’re hiring someone, you’re “just throwing money away.”
While DIY is great in some cases, not everything should be done without experience. Sometimes, paying a professional actually saves money in the long run by preventing expensive mistakes.
10. Everyone should just ‘get on with it.’
Whether it’s struggling with mental health, working in toxic environments, or dealing with unfair treatment, many boomers take the attitude that people should just toughen up and get on with life.
But times have changed. People now understand the importance of mental well-being and work-life balance. Just because previous generations had to “suffer through it” doesn’t mean it’s the right approach—it just means they didn’t have better options at the time.
11. Social media is ruining everything.
To many boomers, social media is the root of all problems. It’s blamed for everything from declining attention spans to political division, as if the world was problem-free before Facebook and Twitter came along.
While social media has its downsides, it’s also given people access to information, new communities, and opportunities they wouldn’t have had otherwise. Like anything, it’s about how it’s used, not just the platform itself.
12. ‘Back in my day’ stories prove how easy life is now.
There’s a certain type of boomer who loves to remind younger generations how much harder life was “back in their day.” They’ll talk about buying a house on a single salary, working long hours, and not having the internet—then use it as proof that today’s struggles aren’t real.
But the reality is that every generation faces different challenges. Just because things were difficult in one way doesn’t mean they were harder overall. Dismissing younger people’s struggles just because they look different isn’t helpful—it’s just comparing struggles for the sake of it.
13. The world is going downhill.
A lot of boomers believe that everything was better in the past, whether it’s music, morals, or how people lived their lives. They’ll often say things like, “The world’s gone mad,” ignoring the fact that society has actually improved in many ways.
Sure, some things have changed, but that’s just how life works. Every generation sees the world evolve, and clinging to nostalgia doesn’t mean the past was better—it just means it’s familiar.
