Gen Z Has Basically Zero Tolerance For 8 Casual Habits Boomers & Gen X View As Normal
Mikhail Nilov | Pexels Gen Z lifestyles couldn't look more different from their older peers.
There's often tension because of young people's priorities and daily habits. After all, they grew up and are now living in completely different worlds, with new experiences every day. But there are also casual, unsuspecting habits Gen Zers don't have a tolerance for that boomers and Gen X have always seen as normal.
Habits Gen Z has no tolerance for that boomers and Gen X view as normal
1. Unexpected phone calls
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Many Gen Zers are dealing with phone anxiety, where it's easier to decline a call or send someone to voicemail than to speak to them. They'd much rather send an email or a text message as a buffer.
Gen X and boomers, on the other hand, generally prefer to speak face-to-face or on the phone. In fact, in their eyes, being willing to pick up the phone and call someone almost feels more respectful than to send a text, especially when it's about something important.
2. Unannounced house visits
Compared to boomers and Gen Xers who tend to prefer in-person conversations and face-to-face interactions, Gen Z leans toward more convenient, digital alternatives. They will send a text message rather than plan an in-person meeting at work or have someone over.
This is harming their fundamental social skills in a lot of ways, but it's also become normalized as they shift expectations and norms. So, it's a shock to no one that they're thrown completely off by unannounced house visits, whether it's their parents or a salesperson.
Much like they will send a person on their phone to voicemail to avoid picking up a call, they're probably not going to answer the door if they're not in the mood to socialize.
3. Working on the weekend
Many Gen Zers and other young people have much more demanding ideas of work-life balance. They're not workers who are going to stay late into the evenings or take phone calls from a boss on Sunday night, unless they're being compensated or finding value in their work.
To them, working is simply a way to live a better life. Most are not living to work.
Gen X and boomers, who believe that proving loyalty to a company happens both on the clock and off, are much more likely to view working on the weekend as a normal part of life. No, they may not enjoy it or find personal fulfillment in it, but it's somewhat normalized, despite pushing them toward burnout.
4. Shopping for the lowest price
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Despite their financial situation, the majority of Gen Zers are still shopping in alignment with their values. If that means spending more on a sustainable brand or going out of their way to buy organic groceries, they're more interested in nutrition and quality than price.
But with frugality as a main focus, despite being relatively secure financially, older generations are more likely to seek out the best price, even if it means shopping at a store that they wouldn't otherwise support.
5. Mandatory corporate happy hours
Anything that's mandatory for work, according to Gen Z employees, happens during working hours. When it comes to corporate happy hours or company events, they'll make their own decision about whether or not to go.
Because many older generations were socialized into a very different, much more rigid concept of corporate loyalty, they perceive these events as mandatory. In fact, many are quick to judge a young employee for setting their boundaries and going home right at 5 p.m., even though that's exactly what they're being paid to do.
6. A sacrifice mentality with money
Many older generations take pride in the struggle. They burn themselves out and sacrifice small luxuries for the sake of saving. For Gen Zers who are more willing to spend on micro-experiences and goods that make their lives easier, they have no tolerance for a sacrifice mentality.
Many have already been forced to push back major life milestones because of their finances, so spending $7 on a latte or taking an Uber home from a restaurant are the small things that make their lives worth living.
7. Paying your dues as a young worker
While it might sound counterintuitive, younger generations are pushing back on the idea that they have to prove themselves in the workplace. Yes, it's a natural part of life in a new company or role, but the idea that young people have to endure poor benefits and low wages isn't alluring.
Most aren't even interested in climbing the corporate ladder. While it might seem entitled to older generations who paid their dues in the workplace by struggling, the reality is that young people are reshaping workplace expectations entirely.
8. Bragging about exhaustion and burnout
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Growing up in hustle culture, many older generations were socialized into believing that burnout was normal. Their ideas about company loyalty often pressured them to exhaust themselves, putting productivity before their own well-being.
With new expectations of flexibility and work-life balance, Gen Z just doesn't tolerate this mindset anymore. Not only are they taking more time off from work and job-hopping to find a company that aligns with their values, but they're protecting their personal time and well-being.
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.
