My cousin, just 23, recently celebrated landing an apartment with a bedroom window. Not a view—just a window. The comments on her TikTok burst with congratulations, like it was an engagement announcement. “Living the dream!” one person wrote. Surreal, right?
This reflects a strange reality: what was once normal for Boomers is now a big win for Gen Z. Their ambitions are real, but the standard has shifted so much that simple milestones feel like triumphs. What Boomers saw as everyday life has become a backyard victory for younger folks.
This divide is both economic and deeply personal. Watching Gen Z celebrate achievements my parents would have seen as average shows just how much the American Dream has transformed into something smaller.
1. Health Insurance is a Game
Gen Z often shares screenshots of their health insurance approvals like they’ve just won a game. “IT WENT THROUGH!” they shout, thrilled that their therapy session costs just $40 instead of $200. They’ve made navigating the healthcare system a survival skill.
Boomers had health insurance as part of their jobs, covering medical expenses without thought. Nowadays, young people choose jobs based on health benefits, treating health care as a perk rather than a right.
2. Leaving Work at Work
For Gen Z, not checking work emails after 6 PM is often a sign of success. They celebrate “work-life balance” and have coined terms like “quiet quitting” to describe simply doing their jobs without burnout.
In contrast, Boomers experienced work as a clear separation from home life. The boundary has blurred for younger generations, who now value that separation as a vital aspect of their quality of life.
3. Job Stability is a Rare Achievement
Reaching a two-year mark at a job is hailed as a significant milestone for many Gen Z employees. To them, staying in one position feels like a major accomplishment.
Boomers often remained at a single company for decades, earning promotions and benefits during their tenures. Now, job-hopping is common, and retaining a position for even two years raises eyebrows.
4. Living Alone is the New Luxury
For Gen Z, living alone means independence and autonomy, often showcased as a major life triumph on social media. They relish not sharing bathrooms or living spaces, something that’s taken on new meaning today.
In past decades, having your own place after college was the norm. Boomers typically moved into their own apartments with ease. Now, finding a solitary space before age 30 is considered noteworthy.
5. Taking Real Vacations
Using vacation time is now a badge of honor for Gen Z. They post about their time off as an essential act of self-care, highlighting how difficult it is to disconnect in today’s work culture.
Boomers took vacations as time to recharge, often without worry. They expected to unwind without emails or texts invading their relaxation.
6. Spending without Anxiety
Gen Z shares moments of joy when they buy groceries without checking their bank app. It’s a small victory to shop without feeling financial strain.
Boomers, who balanced their checkbooks but weren’t concerned about every purchase, often had enough income to make ends meet without major anxiety.
7. Celebrating Savings
Gen Z proudly shares their savings milestones. Accumulating $1,000 has become a significant marker of success, reflected in their posts.
For Boomers, saving money was more of a given. They often had enough to create a cushion for emergencies without the perceived pressure of today’s financial landscape.
8. Raises and Inflation
Recent discussions show that some Gen Z workers celebrate raises that simply keep pace with inflation. The idea that maintaining purchasing power is a substantial win speaks volumes about the economic challenges today.
Boomers typically received raises that reflected genuine growth in their careers, making these conversations appear almost surreal in comparison.
Final Thoughts
It’s not absurd for Gen Z to celebrate these milestones; they’re responding to harsh realities. The economy has reshaped basic expectations into markers of success. When having a window in your bedroom feels like a victory, it highlights a larger issue in our society.
What happens when the next generation’s dreams are just to reach what was once taken for granted? When everyone’s racing on different tracks, what does winning truly mean? It’s time to reflect on this generational divide, shedding light on the societal shifts shaping our understanding of success.
