Some ways millennials choose to live don’t exactly sit right with other generations. Gen Xers, especially, have their own reservations about how millennials do certain things. Here are 18 of these choices that they think are the most ridiculous.
Avocado Toast Obsession
We start off with one of the most bizarre obsessions on our list: millennials’ love for avocado toast. The Washington Post shares how this started way back in the early 1990s, and many millennials still keep it as their favorite breakfast. However, Gen Xers only see it as an unnecessarily frivolous way to spend money.
Gig Economy Participation
The gig economy appeals immensely to millennials, who make up 45% of its workforce and rake in thousands of dollars from it per month. Despite it being a source of income that allows for more freedom to pursue other life passions, Gen X condemns it as lacking the security of a traditional job—being too unstable and even impractical.
Minimalism and Tiny Living
Minimalism is the motto of our modern world, and it’s evident in how we design our physical and digital spaces. Millennials love it, considering it a concept that helps reduce clutter, manage expenses, and limit our environmental impact. However, Gen X sometimes condemns it as too simplistic and devoid of imagination.
Renting Over Owning
Research also shows that 53% of millennials prefer renting to owning homes, cars, and other big-ticket items. Understandably, Gen X tends to give them the stick for this, as they instead value ownership as a sign of success and stability. Millennials, however, believe this is best for them, given the financial realities of the modern world.
Delaying Marriage and Kids
If you didn’t know, many millennials are also delaying marriage and having children later compared to previous generations. Some are even deciding not to have kids at all, choosing instead to prioritize career development, personal growth, and financial stability before settling down. However, clinging to traditions, Gen X frequently interprets this as a lack of commitment.
Digital Detoxes
Some Millennials seek balance by periodically unplugging from their devices, and interestingly, many Gen Xers also find this concept of digital detoxes confusing. Millennials aren’t giving up on it anytime soon, though. They see this as a practice that helps them maintain mental health by fostering deeper face-to-face connections in an increasingly digital world.
Subscription Services for Everything
Millennials subscribe to services for nearly every need, whether it be streaming platforms or meal kits. In fact, one millennial subscribes to an average of ten services at a time because they believe subscriptions offer the convenience and personalization needed for a fast-paced lifestyle. Gen X, however, views this as unnecessary overindulgence.
Side Hustles
Millennials also often have multiple side hustles to supplement their income and pursue their passions. For millennials, side hustles provide additional income, creative outlets, and a sense of autonomy, empowering them to craft careers on their terms. Nonetheless, there are many Gen Xers who may find this relentless juggling of jobs unnecessary or tiring.
Remote Work Preferences
Gen X also frequently questions millennials’ preference for remote work, associating it with laziness or lack of discipline. However, this doesn’t stop millennials from appreciating remote work’s flexibility and productivity gains. Millennials see it as an arrangement that allows them to better balance their professional and personal lives, contributing to overall job satisfaction and mental well-being.
Plant-Based Diets
You’d be surprised to learn that the rise of plant-based diets among millennials baffles Gen X, too. Gen Xers see this lean towards vegetarian diets as a passing trend that’s barely enjoyable. But for millennials, plant-based eating aligns with health consciousness, environmental sustainability, and other ethical considerations they love to uphold.
Influencer Aspirations
Many millennials see social media influencing as a viable career path, offering creativity, autonomy, and significant earning potential in the digital age. It’s a role that fits perfectly into the gig economy they love so much. However, as mentioned before, given its insecurity, Gen X dismisses this aspiration as unrealistic.
Prioritizing Mental Health
There’s no doubt that millennials also prioritize self-care, often seeking therapy and mindfulness practices to protect their mental well-being. It’s a way for them to navigate life’s stresses and maintain emotional balance more easily. However, despite its benefits and due to what they had to go through during their time, Gen X might see this focus as too self-indulgent.
Experiences Over Material Goods
It’s also hard for some Gen Xers to understand why millennials often prefer spending money on experiences rather than material goods. These Gen Xers view this as an impractical form of consumption when, on the other hand, for millennials, experiences like travel, concerts, and events provide lasting memories. They find them more fulfilling than accumulating possessions.
Shared Living Spaces
Given today’s financial realities, it may not be surprising that many millennials also opt for shared living spaces. Co-living arrangements give them a chance to save money, network, and build a dependable community outside of family. Generation X, however, can’t help but see this as a sign of financial instability.
Cryptocurrency Investments
Millennials’ interest in cryptocurrency investments also confuses Gen X, who often prefer traditional financial systems. Gen Xers don’t see how, for millennials and many Gen Zers, crypto represents innovation and the potential for high returns. It’s a digital asset class that appeals to their tech-savvy nature and desire for financial independence.
Ethical Consumerism
Millennials aren’t afraid to show their stance on ethical consumerism, choosing brands that align with their values. Sadly, many Gen Xers only see this as their overthinking of purchases. They sometimes miss the fact that millennials do this to support companies that practice fair trade, sustainability, and social responsibility, which are beneficial for all.
Flexible Work Hours
You may be aware that flexible work hours are highly valued by millennials, especially because they seek greater work-life balance. Working like this allows millennials to manage personal and professional responsibilities more effectively, leading to increased job satisfaction and overall well-being. On the other hand, Gen X prefers the structure of a traditional workday, believing that it helps instill discipline.
Digital Nomad Lifestyle
In line with the gig economy and having flexible work hours, the digital nomad lifestyle also appeals to many millennials—particularly those who love to travel around the world. Despite Gen X finding this unstable, being a digital nomad makes life more exciting and enriching for millennials. It offers new experiences and the freedom to make money from anywhere.
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