It’s easy to criticise younger generations, but sometimes older people seem to forget what being young was really like.
Sure, it was a long time ago, and the world has changed a lot over the past few decades, but in essence, kids will be kids. Chances are, boomers did just as many silly and stupid things when they were figuring out how to exist in the world as teens and people in their 20s do today. Instead of judging the youngsters, they need to remember these important things. Doing so might make them a bit more accepting and less judgemental of Gen Z.
1. Everyone struggles to figure things out in their twenties.
Boomers often expect Gen Z to have their lives sorted out by the time they’re 25, but forget that they also faced uncertainty in their younger years. No one has everything figured out straight away. It’s part of growing up. Whether it’s about careers, relationships, or personal identity, finding your footing takes time. Judging younger people for not “having it together” ignores the fact that they likely faced similar challenges themselves at that age.
2. Starting out is harder than ever.
Many boomers built their lives during a time when buying a house or securing a stable job was much more accessible. For Gen Z, skyrocketing housing prices, student debt, and competitive job markets make starting out far more challenging. You’re not making excuses for them by recognising and acknowledging that the playing field has majorly shifted. Boomers had their struggles, but the financial hurdles Gen Z faces are unique and often overlooked in generational comparisons.
3. Technology is a part of life now.
Boomers often complain about younger people being glued to their phones, forgetting that technology is now central to how people communicate, work, and even build relationships. It’s not just a distraction, it’s a necessity in today’s world. Rather than seeing tech use as a flaw, it’s worth appreciating how Gen Z has adapted to a digital world. After all, every generation has embraced new tools that seemed “unnecessary” at the time, from televisions to fax machines.
4. Social pressure is amplified by social media.
While social pressure has always existed, boomers didn’t have to navigate the constant comparisons and visibility that social media brings. Gen Z is growing up in a world where everyone’s best moments are on display 24/7, which can make it harder to feel secure in themselves. They’re not just spending all their time taking selfies — there’s literally a culture of constant connection that’s both empowering and overwhelming. Recognising the added layer of pressure they’re dealing with can help bridge the generational understanding gap.
5. The job market has changed drastically.
Boomers often advise younger people to “just work hard” and everything will fall into place, but the job market isn’t what it used to be. Long-term positions with pensions are rare, and gig work or short-term contracts have become the norm for many Gen Z workers. They’re still working hard, just like you did in your day, but the opportunities for stability are a whole lot harder to come by. The advice that worked decades ago doesn’t always fit today’s reality, and that’s worth acknowledging.
6. Renting isn’t always a choice.
Boomers often question why younger people “throw money away on rent,” forgetting that homeownership is out of reach for most people in the UK these days. Housing prices have far outpaced wages, leaving renting as the only viable option for much of Gen Z. What’s often framed as a lack of responsibility is actually the result of systemic financial barriers. Gen Z isn’t avoiding buying homes — they’re dealing with a system that makes it nearly impossible.
7. Education isn’t a guaranteed ticket to success anymore.
For boomers, earning a degree often opened doors to stable, well-paying jobs. For Gen Z, higher education often means taking on significant debt without the same guarantee of job security or financial stability afterward. It’s not that Gen Z doesn’t value education; it’s that the return on investment is far less predictable now. The world has shifted, and the path to success is no longer as straightforward as it once was. Going to uni might be a way to avoid entering the workforce for a few more years, but it doesn’t necessarily guarantee they’ll get a decent job (or any job!) once they’re finished.
8. Mental health struggles were often ignored back then.
Gen Z is much more open about mental health, which sometimes leads to criticism from boomers who were taught to “just get on with it.” But ignoring mental health doesn’t mean the struggles weren’t there, it just means they weren’t talked about. Younger generations are breaking that cycle by prioritising their emotional health. Instead of dismissing it as weakness, it’s worth seeing it as progress toward healthier and more balanced lives. How much better would boomers’ lives have been if they had that kind of openness and support during their younger years?
9. Side hustles weren’t necessary for many boomers.
It’s easy to criticise younger people for chasing side hustles or freelancing, but for many in Gen Z, it’s not about extra income, it’s about survival. The rising cost of living means a single job often isn’t enough to make ends meet. Unfortunately, hustle culture isn’t a choice for many — it’s a necessity. While boomers might have had the luxury of relying on one stable job, today’s economic realities require a more dynamic approach to earning a living.
10. The climate crisis is a constant weight.
Gen Z has grown up in a world where the climate crisis isn’t a distant threat—it’s an immediate and pressing concern. Boomers often underestimate how much it weighs on younger people, who feel a deep sense of urgency to address environmental issues. While previous generations didn’t have the same awareness, the burden of dealing with the consequences often falls on Gen Z. They care for the planet, yes, but it’s more than that — it’s about grappling with a future that feels increasingly uncertain.
11. Social movements are more visible and demanding now.
From LGBTQIA+ rights to racial justice, Gen Z is deeply engaged in social movements. Boomers might see this as “too political” or “woke,” forgetting that young people have always been at the forefront of change. It’s just more visible now thanks to social media. Rather than dismissing their activism, it’s worth appreciating the courage it takes to fight for a better world. Gen Z is continuing a long legacy of young people pushing for progress, just in a more connected and vocal way.
12. The pressure to succeed starts younger now.
With social media and competitive school environments, Gen Z often feels pressure to succeed before they’ve even reached adulthood. Boomers might forget that they had more time to explore, fail, and find their footing without the constant spotlight of comparison. Such an accelerated timeline can lead to burnout and anxiety. Recognising that younger generations are under immense pressure can help create more understanding and empathy across the generational divide.
13. Work-life balance is valued more now.
Boomers often pride themselves on their work ethic, but Gen Z is shifting the focus to work-life balance. That doesn’t mean they’re lazy — it means they’ve seen the toll of burnout and are striving for a healthier way to live. Rather than criticising younger people for wanting balance, it’s worth recognising that they’re trying to prioritise their well-being. That change isn’t them trying to avoid hard work, you know. They’re actually just making space for a more fulfilling life.
14. Cultural norms have evolved.
Boomers sometimes struggle with the rapid changes in language, inclusivity, and cultural norms that Gen Z embraces. What might seem confusing or unnecessary to older generations is actually a sign of progress and greater understanding. Instead of resisting these changes, leaning into them can encourage connection and mutual respect. Gen Z’s commitment to inclusivity and empathy reflects a more accepting world, which benefits everyone.
15. They’re navigating a different world.
At the end of the day, boomers grew up in a vastly different time. The world Gen Z faces — shaped by technology, social change, and economic challenges — is unique. Judging them by outdated standards overlooks the context of their struggles and successes. Empathy and understanding can go a long way in bridging generational gaps. Instead of focusing on differences, recognising the shared challenges and aspirations can create a more supportive and connected perspective.
