7 Surprising Moments When Boomers Missed the Mark on Modern Life

Every generation tends to think the one before it is out of touch. But sometimes, the divide is much larger than just differing perspectives.

Common Misunderstandings from Boomers

1. Advising to “just buy a house”

I can’t count how many times I’ve heard boomers say things like, “If you want to buy a house, just stop eating out.” Sure, that advice made sense decades ago when homes were far more affordable. Back then, the average price was about four times the yearly salary. Now, in many cities, it’s up to six times.

A National Association of Realtors economist, Lawrence Yun, pointed out that “housing affordability is at its lowest level in decades.” The reality is that even cutting back on some expenses won’t bridge the gap to afford a $300,000–$500,000 home. It’s time for a fresh perspective.

2. Misunderstanding what “entry-level” means

Many boomers believe entry-level jobs don’t require much experience. They remember when you could start at the bottom and work your way up. But today’s entry-level positions often demand years of experience and specialized skills.

A friend of mine once applied for a junior role that asked for more experience than her current senior role. It’s a crazy job market where many felt overqualified just to secure an entry point.

3. Assuming job loyalty matters

Boomers often think switching jobs is a red flag. In their era, loyalty led to promotions and job security. Now, staying too long can mean falling behind. Research shows that job-hoppers often see better wage growth than those who stay put.

I once had a mentor shocked that I wanted to leave a company after three years. For me, three years of stagnant growth was time to move on. Adaptability is the new loyalty.

4. Believing college guarantees success

Many boomers still cling to the idea that a college degree guarantees a good job. Sure, it worked back when tuition was lower, and jobs plentiful. Nowadays, graduates often start their careers deep in debt, facing job markets that don’t always require degrees.

Financial educator Anthony ONeal stresses that while education is critical, it needs to be paired with financial literacy. Too many students graduate unprepared for the realities of the job market.

5. Stigmatizing mental health

There’s a significant gap between how boomers view mental health compared to younger generations. Boomers grew up in a culture that discouraged discussing mental well-being, often labeling openness as weakness. Yet, untreated mental health issues can harm physical health and job performance.

Experts like Dr. Kristen Lee argue that true resilience comes from acknowledging and addressing mental health needs, not ignoring them.

6. Trusting traditional news sources blindly

Many boomers see traditional media as trustworthy. But we live in an era where misinformation thrives, and news outlets often have clear political biases. Younger generations have learned to question, cross-reference, and verify news. It’s a skill crucial for navigating today’s information landscape.

7. Taking retirement for granted

Boomers often believe that hard work leads to a secure retirement. While this may have been true for them, it’s not the reality for younger generations. The decline of pensions and rising living costs have made retirement feel more uncertain. A recent Gallup poll found that nearly half of non-retirees doubt they’ll receive Social Security benefits in the future.

Yet, many boomers still suggest simple savings solutions, overlooking the systemic changes that complicate things.

Conclusion

Boomers didn’t create the challenges facing younger generations, but they grew up in a different reality. Their advice, while well-meaning, often misses the mark in today’s world. It’s essential for all of us to recognize how our perspectives are shaped by time and context, and to stay open to evolving our views.

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