The popular saying “OK Boomer” indicates that younger generations are tired of hearing their elders complain. Many Millennials and Gen Zers feel that they have it harder than older generations due to the economy. They fear that they’ll never be able to achieve the same level of financial security that Gen Xers and Boomers have, so they may be tired of hearing their parents and grandparents grouse about their problems. Here are 10 complaints that young adults may be tired of hearing from Boomers.
1. Nobody wants to work anymore.
Some Boomers believe that younger generations don’t work hard enough, lack company loyalty, and switch jobs too often. However, young adults are tired of hearing this complaint from Boomers because it demonstrates that they don’t understand the current labor market. Many companies only give small cost of living raises every year. As a result, it’s often necessary for workers to job-hop to ensure their wages keep up with inflation.
Plus, what appears to be a poor work ethic may simply be burnout. Due to the high cost of living, many young adults need a side hustle to make ends meet. Their overpacked schedules may leave them without enough energy to perform at a high level. Younger generations wish Boomers would consider the economic challenges they face before lamenting that “nobody wants to work anymore.”
2. I’ll never be a grandparent.
Many Millennials get annoyed when their Boomer parents repeatedly ask when they’re going to have kids. Inflation has made it difficult to afford the cost of raising children, so many couples are choosing to remain child-free. Student debt, high mortgage rates, and food inflation have pushed middle class Americans to the financial edge.
Millennials who are already living paycheck to paycheck simply don’t have room in their budgets to accommodate kids. Instead of complaining about being grandchildless, Boomers should probably educate themselves on these economic barriers to parenthood.
3. Technology is too complicated!
It’s understandable that Boomers have some digital knowledge gaps since they didn’t grow up with computers. However, Millennials are tired of hearing Boomers say that simple online tasks like checking emails and using search engines are too complex.
Younger generations didn’t innately know how to use the internet. We had to take computer classes in school and practice digital skills to become proficient. Instead of complaining about technology, Millennials wish Boomers would put their energy into mastering computer basics instead.
4. I can’t afford to downsize.
Some Boomers want to downsize to smaller homes or apartments, but can’t afford to. Single-level homes are hard to come by in certain cities, making them rather expensive. It can often be cheaper for Boomers to stay in their paid-off home than downsize to a more expensive condo, taking out a high-interest mortgage in the process. Plus, HOA fees may add to the cost of relocating to a condo, making it difficult to justify a move.
However, Millennials may find this complaint grating because they’d love to own any home. Younger generations are having trouble getting on the real estate ladder at all and would love to own any type of property.
5. Living on a fixed income is difficult.
Another complaint some people are tired of hearing from Boomers is that it’s harder to live on a fixed retirement income. As Reddit users pointed out, every working or middle class person lives on a limited income and needs to budget carefully. Although it may be easier for workers to increase their salary by negotiating a raise, retirees can boost their income through part-time work. Plus, retirement benefits are typically inflation-adjusted, and senior discounts can help Boomers stretch their dollars further.
Ultimately, this complaint can come across as insensitive to younger generations who fear they might not be able to retire at all.
6. Kids today are so entitled!
According to Newsweek, most middle-aged and older adults think today’s children behave worse than previous generations. Boomers believe that gentle parenting is to blame, claiming that parents have become too permissive. However, Millennials argue that Boomers’ authoritarian parenting style had a negative effect on them. Millennials don’t want to repeat the same mistakes with their children and aren’t responsive to Boomers’ unsolicited feedback.
7. My generation had it harder.
We’ve all heard Boomers quip that they walked to school uphill both ways. This humorous saying underscores the challenges that their generation had to face. However, younger generations have their own set of hardships to deal with, such as high housing and schooling costs. Although some Boomers think that younger generations are entitled due to having cushier lives, it’s important to remember that life usually isn’t easy for anyone.
8. Society has lost its moral compass.
Many Boomers say that society has lost its moral compass, and they’re not alone in that belief. According to a Gallup poll, just over half of Americans think that moral values throughout the country are poor. However, we’re tired of hearing this complaint from Boomers because researchers say it’s a false perception.
According to Science.org, people in over 60 countries share a vague sense that ethics are declining. However, when asked to provide specific examples that illustrate moral decline, most people couldn’t think of any. Instead of grousing, we should put our energy toward volunteering and improving our communities.
9. My kids won’t take care of me/call/visit.
Family estrangement is becoming increasingly common. According to Cosmopolitan, roughly a quarter of adults have cut contact with a loved one. Older Americans tend to believe that family is forever and going no contact is extreme. On the other hand, younger generations are tired of tolerating bad behavior from family members just because they’re blood relations.
This difference in how Millennials approach family conflicts has left some Boomers feeling hurt and confused. But instead of complaining, we wish Boomers would mend fences with their family members instead.
10. I can’t afford to retire yet.
According to CNBC, Millennials’ retirement outlook may be worse compared to older generations. A larger percentage of Millennials are projected to have insufficient retirement income at age 70 than Gen Xers and Boomers. Considering Millennials are even further behind in their retirement goals, they may have a hard time hearing Boomers complain about being unable to retire yet. Being sensitive to the challenges that others around you face can go a long way toward positive relations between generations.
We Could All Be More Compassionate
Both younger and older generations are likely tired of hearing the other’s complaints. But to promote positive generational relations, it’s important to be compassionate toward each other. Everyone faces unique challenges depending on their age and life circumstances. Remembering that we all suffer hardships will lead to healthier, more productive intergenerational relationships.