Millennials and boomers often find themselves at odds over various habits and lifestyle choices. The generational gap can make it hard to see eye to eye, leading to misunderstandings and frustration. Here are 18 habits that annoy boomers the most about millennials.
Always on Their Phones
Boomers can’t stand how millennials seem glued to their phones. And according to NBC News, they “bring their cell phones to bed with them, admit to texting while driving and are almost certain to have a profile on social networking sites.” The older generation remembers a time when conversations were face-to-face and undivided attention was a sign of respect.
Over-sharing on Social Media
Those who came of age around the year 2000 have a tendency to share every detail of their lives online—which baffles the boomer generation. From what they had for breakfast to their relationship dramas, nothing seems too private to post, while older folks who grew up valuing discretion and privacy, find this over-sharing unnecessary.
Job-Hopping
The days of sticking with one employer for decades are over, thanks to millennials’ habit of job-hopping, which older people see as a lack of loyalty and commitment. They often had stable, long-term careers and view frequent job changes as risky and irresponsible.
Embracing the Gig Economy
Younger age groups also have an enthusiasm for the gig economy—working freelance, part-time, or on short-term contracts—which puzzles boomers. This flexible work style contrasts sharply with the traditional 9-to-5 job structure that they were accustomed to back in their day.
Prioritizing Experiences Over Possessions
Seniors are often bewildered by the preference for spending money on experiences rather than material possessions; millennials are more likely to splurge on travel, concerts, and dining out than on cars, homes, or luxury goods. Those who often measure success by tangible assets, find this focus on experiences impractical.
Minimalism
It makes sense that millennials who focus more on experiences are also embracing minimalism a lot more, too. However, this can be a source of irritation for boomers. The idea of owning less and having clean, white spaces simply contrasts with their tendency to accumulate possessions with maximalist decor.
Questioning Traditional Institutions
There’s additionally a skepticism towards traditional institutions like marriage, religion, and corporate hierarchies where younger people are concerned, and for old people who generally hold these institutions in high regard, they see this questioning attitude as disrespectful. Boomers are more likely to proudly hold on to tradition.
Emphasis on Mental Health
The boomer generation grew up in an era where mental health was often stigmatized, while millennials prioritize mental well-being and openly discuss their struggles. This openness can be uncomfortable for the older generation, who were taught to keep such issues private.
Casual Work Attire
Another frustration can be the shift towards casual work attire, for those people who value a more formal dress code. Dressing up is seen as a sign of professionalism and respect for a person with a lot of life experience, while millennials prioritize comfort and individuality.
Aversion to Phone Calls
If you’re a 1981-1996 baby, then you’ll know the preference for texting and emailing over phone calls—which can be a major annoyance for anyone older. Boomers, who are used to direct and immediate communication, find it frustrating when people avoid picking up the phone.
Constant Need for Feedback
The millennial desire for constant feedback and praise at work is perplexing to other generations, too, as they grew up in an environment where feedback was less frequent and often only given when something went wrong. Young people, however, thrive on regular feedback and recognition.
Flexible Work Hours
The demand for flexible work hours and remote work options by Generation Y can be difficult for more experienced people to understand. Those used to the traditional 9-to-5 schedule may view flexibility as a lack of discipline or commitment, while younger people simply want a better work-life balance.
Environmental Consciousness
Millennials’ strong focus on environmental issues can sometimes irritate the Post-War Generation; using reusable bags and water bottles, advocating for renewable energy and reducing carbon footprint may all seem a little excessive for older people. This difference in priorities reflects the changing concerns of each generation.
Non-Traditional Parenting Styles
Boomers often struggle to understand non-traditional parenting styles, too, such as co-sleeping, baby-led weaning, or using gentle parenting techniques. These methods can seem strange and overly permissive to them, and they often compare these modern approaches to the stricter parenting styles they used.
Delayed Major Life Events
Millennials furthermore have a tendency to delay major life events like marriage, buying a home, and having children. For the people who followed a more traditional timeline when they were young, they worry that millennials are putting off these milestones for too long. They often express concern about financial stability and the ability to build a secure future as well.
Digital-First Shopping Habits
The preference for online shopping over traditional brick-and-mortar stores is additionally frustrating. Many young folks enjoy the convenience, variety, and often better prices found online, while older people might miss the tactile experience of shopping in person—not to mention the aversion to using devices.
Embracing New Technologies
If you’re in your senior years, you may also be averse to the rapid adoption of new technologies, which can be overwhelming. Items such as smart home devices and the latest apps and gadgets are not as quickly integrated into everyday life if you’re not a millennial.
Political Activism
A final millennial habit that can annoy boomers is their active involvement in political and social issues, which can be seen as disruptive; the younger generation’s passion for activism, protests, and online advocacy is often met with skepticism by boomers, who might prefer more traditional methods of engagement.
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