People Raised In The 60s, 70s & 80s Usually Accept 8 Things About Life That Younger Generations Question
cottonbro studio | Pexels Life has changed greatly since people raised in the 60s, 70s and 80s were young.
Older generations simply did things because it was expected of them, while young people are now questioning those same things. Young folks aren't interested in going along with the status quo and are committed to creating a happy life of their own.
Younger generations question these things about life, while people who grew up in the 60s, 70s and 80s accept them
1. Stick to a specific timeline for life milestones
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For older generations, they felt obligated to stick to the values of society. That meant meeting someone and committing to them for the sake of getting married and starting a family. Societal pressure to have a family and a home with a white picket fence made them fall in line. They wanted to create a legacy for themselves.
Not only did they settle down early and stay at the same job for their entire working lives, but when they didn't hit these milestones at a certain age, it weighed on them. For young people, they don't want to settle down early or stay at toxic jobs, and they question who this expectation is serving.
2. You can get what you want with hard work
Baby boomers, the "pull yourself up by the bootstraps" generation, weren't looking for a handout. They knew that nothing was guaranteed, but if they worked hard, they could get as close as they could.
Instead of feeling like life owed them something, they imagined they could get what they wanted with a little bit of effort. But that's simply not how life works anymore.
It's not easy to reach goals because of social and economic strains. While younger generations know they won't always get what they desire, they understand that there's more to the situation than failing to work hard for it.
3. The American Dream is achievable
Back in the 60s, 70s and 80s, when boomers and Gen Xers were growing up, they were fed a narrative about the American Dream. They believed they could find success through determination, no matter their financial or social circumstances.
They worked hard to keep a job for years on end to support their family. They were able to purchase a home and used it as a sign of their prosperity.
Today, young people are pushing back on this and believe the American Dream is dead. Between financial uncertainty and job insecurity, they're questioning if achieving this life was even possible in the first place.
4. Life isn't fair
Older generations weren't coddled as children. They knew they weren't always going to get what they wanted, and instead worked towards what they could. They had an "it is what it is" attitude, but now, they're the gloomiest generation according to Pew Research Center.
Younger generations aren't willing to settle for less. Sure, life isn't always fair, but maybe it should be. From political ideologies to demanding more from their careers, they won't go down without a fight.
5. Saving money is the most important thing
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Older generations grew up in a completely different economy. Unrelenting housing costs and living paycheck to paycheck weren't as big of a problem. This wasn't the same experience for everyone, but saving money was overall easier.
As they got older, they continued focusing on saving money for their retirement. But for young people today, it's almost impossible to save up with rising costs getting in the way.
Gen Zers and even millennials are relying on their family for financial assistance, because the cost of living is out of control. So, it's common for them to question this life advice.
6. Being busy doesn't mean you're being productive
Hustle culture is often a symptom of a difficult economy. It leaves people feeling like they have to maximize their time and make as much money as possible. Rest becomes less of a priority because people need to focus on staying afloat.
When we think of the 60s, 70s and 80s, we likely picture people sitting around the TV and enjoying family time. Back then, when people clocked out of work, they were done for the day. They didn't have to worry about answering emails. Instead, they accepted rest and had an easier time without access to the world in their pockets.
But today, hustle culture is causing burnout for young people. They're constantly working or scrolling on social media instead of taking time for themselves to decompress. They refuse to accept that being busy doesn't mean they're always productive, and they feel pressured to do everything they can to make ends meet.
7. Do what everyone else is doing
Older generations needed to find approval from everyone. They weren't looking to stand out, and it was easier to keep up with the Joneses than pave their own path forward.
They were expected to be well-liked and did what it took to become just that. Like a school of fish, most people followed the same path and did what they were told out of obligation.
Now, younger generations aren't worried about making everyone around them happy. They want to live authentically. They want to represent who they really are, not focus on others' thoughts and expectations. Today, being unique is cool.
8. Parents always know best
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Parents have always had high expectations for their children. Growing up in the 60s, 70s and 80s, doing what your parents wanted was a requirement.
Some parents were more flexible, but the relationship between them and their children was rigid. You did what they said and followed the rules.
Now, parents expect the same respect, but young people are more comfortable going against their wishes. They question everything, whether it's marrying someone their parents don't like or following a career path they see as unsuccessful.
Younger generations are putting their dreams before their parents' expectations, and telling them out loud what they really want from them.
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.
