11 Things Most Gen X People Are Struggling With This Year
Gen X isn't complaining, but they're quietly overwhelmed (for good reason).
FabrikaSimf | Shutterstock As the overlooked generation caught between Baby Boomers and Millennials, Gen Xers are navigating a unique set of challenges this year. Born between 1965 and 1980, many in this generation find themselves juggling multiple roles, such as caretaker to their parents and raising children in a rapidly changing digital world. While they are often praised for their independence, the pressures of today's economic uncertainty are creating new financial stressors that are hitting Gen X in particular ways.
Financial concerns and health struggles are just a few of the challenges that Gen X is struggling with this year. Many are not only raising their children but also stepping up to care for aging parents. The 'sandwich generation' balances heavy responsibilities on multiple fronts, often without recognition or the support they deserve. By understanding their plight and hopefully offering insight into how we can all support Gen X as they navigate this pivotal year.
Here are 11 things most Gen X people are struggling with this year:
1. Trying to raise kids in a digital world they didn't grow up in
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Raising kids in a digital jungle has become one of the biggest challenges for many Gen X parents this year. Unlike their generation, kids today grow up surrounded by technology designed to make their lives easier. While older generations argue that it makes younger people lazier, Gen Xers find themselves caught between wanting to protect their children from online dangers and encouraging them to use it responsibly.
Many Gen X parents struggle to set healthy boundaries around technology use while balancing other aspects of their lives. Alarmingly, 22% of Gen X parents did nothing to regulate their child's online activity compared to only 8% of Millennials. Despite these challenges, Gen X parents are determined to equip their children with the skills to use technology safely and responsibly.
2. Caring for their aging parents
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Over 54% of Americans in their forties are simultaneously supporting a parent aged 65 or older and either raising a child or financially helping an adult child. Many Gen Xers are now in their late 40s to early 60s, and their parents are now entering their 70s or older, where they struggle with health issues like dementia and Alzheimer's. For Gen Xers, one health scare could mean finding themselves thrust into the role of parental caregiver without warning or preparation.
It costs money to be a caregiver, and many will soon find themselves unable to cover the costs if their insurance doesn't help chip in. Some Gen Xers are dipping into retirement savings or taking unpaid leave to support their parents. With limited public support and few affordable options, many feel overwhelmed, isolated, and under-supported in a role that they never imagined would become such an integral part of their lives.
3. Facing an uncertain retirement with little-to-no support
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Unlike previous generations who often relied on pensions or more stable employment benefits, Gen X is caught between the vanishing promise of Social Security and the unpredictable rollercoaster of the stock market. Nearly 60% of Gen Xers expect to work past the age of 65, and 55% worry that they won't have enough money for retirement. Many are juggling mortgage payments, student loan debt, and family financial struggles.
Even those who have managed to save are often unsure if it's enough. Adding to the stress is a lack of clear guidance. Financial advice is often geared towards younger millennials or wealthier boomers, leaving Gen Xers feeling overlooked by society.
4. Feeling invisible at work due to ageism
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Employers seeking younger, tech-native talent often undervalue the deep institutional knowledge and leadership Gen X brings. Leading to a subtle yet persistent form of ageism in hiring and workplace advancement. This kind of bias shows up in more than just job interviews.
Gen X workers report being passed over for promotions, left out of innovation projects, and encouraged to make room for younger employees. The pressure to keep up with rapidly evolving technology creates added stress, especially when training or resources are lacking. The assumption that older workers are less adaptable only fuels this unfair dynamic.
5. Divorcing more often (and later in life)
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Divorce rates among Generation X have seen a noticeable rise, particularly as this group hits midlife. Financial strain adds another layer to the struggle. Splitting assets and navigating alimony or child support in midlife can be especially destabilizing for them.
After years of juggling careers, parenting, and personal sacrifice, some Gen Xers find they've drifted apart from their spouses or grown into entirely different people. Many enter marriage at a young age when traditional expectations around long-term commitment are still prevalent. With increased social acceptance of divorce and more resources for starting over, many are choosing to leave unhappy marriages.
6. Burning out with no time to recover
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Many Gen Xers are struggling with burnout this year. The constant juggling of full-time jobs, family responsibilities, and financial pressures has left little time for rest or self-care. This isn't new for Gen Xers, but the weight feels heavier now with fewer buffers and little societal support.
This generation is known for being self-reliant and low-maintenance, traits that often mean their struggles go unnoticed. They're not as vocal online as Millennials or Gen Z, and many push through their stress quietly. The emotional toll, if left unaddressed, could lead to a generation quietly breaking down just when they're expected to be at their peak.
7. Getting hit with unexpected health issues
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Many Gen Xers are confronting the realities of aging whenever they have health scares that make them reevaluate their lifestyle choices. It's not only about high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, or joint pain but about mental health as well. Research from Ohio State University reveals a concerning decline in mental health among Generation X.
These wake-up calls are less about dramatic hospital visits and more about chronic fatigue, weight gain, or sleepless nights. Some are discovering that their once-reliable metabolism is now a liability, or that stress accumulated over decades of work and caregiving is starting to manifest physically. It's a humbling reminder that the lifestyle habits of the past, like skipping workouts and relying on convenience foods, can no longer go unchecked.
8. Struggling to adapt to changing social norms
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Gen Xers are caught in the middle of rapidly shifting cultural norms and workplace expectations, which can feel overwhelming. As younger generations embrace new values, many Gen Xers find themselves reassessing their attitudes and adapting to unfamiliar social dynamics. This can create a sense of uncertainty, especially when long-held perspectives are challenged.
At the same time, changes in family roles and relationships add another layer of complexity. With aging parents needing more care and their children going through challenges, Gen Xers feel pulled in multiple directions. They must balance traditional responsibilities with evolving expectations, which can sometimes conflict with their more reserved upbringing.
9. Trying to keep pace with constantly evolving tech
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For many Gen Xers, keeping pace with rapidly evolving technology remains a significant challenge this year. While they grew up during the early days of computers and the internet, the pace of innovation has accelerated dramatically. New apps, platforms, and devices seem to appear overnight, making it tough for them to stay current without feeling overwhelmed or left behind.
Gen X is increasingly adopting technology, with 55% in Southeast Asia viewing tech adoption as a smart business move. The pressure to adapt isn't just about convenience; it's also about staying connected with others, both personally and professionally. Their resilience demonstrates their adaptability and willingness to grow, even if it means stepping out of their comfort zone in a digital world that is constantly evolving.
10. Having trouble rebuilding friendships in a disconnected world
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As people settle into new phases of their lives, whether it's through career changes or moving to different cities, old friendships sometimes drift apart. The pace of life leaves less time and energy for nurturing social connections that were once effortless, but with the rise of digital communication, Gen X finds itself needing to adapt to new ways of socializing.
While younger generations prefer to use social media apps to maintain their friendships, Gen Xers prefer face-to-face interactions. Despite this, they force themselves to adapt to using this technology even if they disagree with it. This is because online interactions can often feel impersonal and awkward, making it more challenging to rebuild connections or form new friendships. By putting themselves out there, they are showing that it's never too late to cultivate a fulfilling social life.
11. Dealing with housing stress they didn't expect at this age
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Like all other generations, Gen X seems to be struggling with their housing costs this year. Gen Xers tend to buy homes based on practicality and budget range purposes. Around 21% of Gen X buyers opt for multigenerational homes, reflecting a trend towards accommodating extended family members. Those looking to upgrade or downsize often find themselves stuck in a frustrating cycle, unable to secure a new home or rent an apartment.
Renting isn't much easier. Rental prices have surged in many cities, which squeezes budgets tighter and forces some to compromise location or living conditions. Figuring out this housing puzzle is more than just finding a place to live; it's about securing stability and peace of mind during uncertain times.
Sylvia Ojeda is an author who has over a decade of experience writing novels and screenplays. She covers self-help, relationships, culture, and human interest topics.
