Every generation swears its way is the only “right” way to live. But let’s be fair: a number of the social norms boomers hold dear are completely in conflict now. Gen Z grew up in a completely different world, with diverging values, technology, and expectations. And when old-fashioned norms meet modern life, the result is… kinda awkward, to say the least. Here are 17 boomer norms that just no longer apply to Gen Z.
Home Ownership as the Holy Grail
Boomers considered homeownership to be the true American Dream. Gen Z is balancing the expense of houses, as “With what money?” Renting, co-living, or experience-spending is a heck of a lot better when mortgages suck the life out of you. A white picket fence? Cute in theory, but hell in practice.
Being in One Job Forever
Boomers buckled job dedication around their necks as a symbol of pride. Their flex? Showing up at the same firm for 30 years, a gold watch, and a retirement speech. Gen Z? They’ll bounce if the atmosphere ain’t lit. Stability’s cool, but waking up for minimal wage and not getting any respect ain’t no flex no more. Loyalty doesn’t pay bills – career-jumping does.
Dressing “Professionally” at All Costs
Boomers held out for power suits, ties, and dress shoes. Gen Z holds out to put comfort together with confidence. Hoodies, sneakers, and piercings are all okay. Respect does not lie in material wealth, but in real productivity. If you can write code in sweatpants, why torture yourself in polyester?
Calling Instead of Texting
Boomers love retro phone calls. Gen Z? Meme, text, or DM. A random phone call is essentially a home invasion now. An offense big enough to report. It’s not “anti-social,” it’s just respect for digital boundaries. And, by the way, who needs 40-minute weather reports from Aunt Carol?
College = Guaranteed Success
The boomers were promised that a degree equated to a good job and high status. Gen Z got the memo — and a mountain of student loans with no guarantee of a job. They are considering whether or not college is even worth it, choosing trades, startups, and online skills over it.
Living to Work Rather than Working to Live
For Boomers, what you do defines who you are. For Gen Z, it’s merely a paycheck. Hustle culture is a century behind; work-life balance is the way forward. They’ll opt for better mental health, side hustles, and creative freedom than being chained to a cubicle. Work is what you do, not who you are.
Never Discussing Money
Boomers would just keep quiet if money were to be discussed. Gen Z here discussing pay, side jobs, and money advice out in the open. Why? Openness is strength. Gatekeeping pay amounts are only beneficial to corporations, not employees. Spilling about money discussions isn’t “rude,” it’s living through a brutal economy.
Don’t Rock the Boat
Boomers were taught to obey, keep their noses clean, and not “make waves.” Gen Z? They’ll report managers on Twitter (or whatever it’s called today), complain until something gets resolved, and leave toxic jobs in a heartbeat. Silence is no longer golden. It’s literally complicity.
Blindly Trusting Institutions
Banks, bosses, politicians – they were all trusted by Boomers. Gen Z? Uh, nope, not really. After the student loan crisis, recessions, and scandals that come to the morning news every day, they’ve learned that trust has to be earned, not given. Institutions are no longer sacred – they’re suspect by default.
Keeping Quiet to Keep the Peace
Boomers were raised to be quiet and suffer in silence. Seriously, just a whiff of conflict (10 miles away) and they’d go radio silent to avoid stirring the pot. Gen Z? They’re flipping the entire pot onto the table. Whatever it is, whether it’s calling out bosses, politicians, or abusive friends, no one’s getting away with it. Swallowing your truth for the sake of fake peace? That’s a game Gen Z refuses to play.
You Must Respect Your Elders – No Questions Asked
Boomers demanded respect simply because of age. Gen Z pushes back: respect is earned, not automatic. If you’re unkind, controlling, or dismissive, age won’t shield you from criticism.
Strict 9-to-5 Schedules
Boomers made driving and sitting at a desk 9 to 5 hip. Gen Z is all about flexibility – remote, hybrid, or in their PJs at 2 a.m. Productivity isn’t fluorescent lights and office gossip – productivity is about independence. The corporate punch card days are behind us.
Saving Every Penny Instead of Investing
Boomers saved the money and called it smart. Gen Z is investing in stocks, crypto, side hustles, digital currency, and whatnot. Sitting on money that doesn’t even accrue interest anymore is not sufficient. Money needs to make money work for you, not just lie there rent-free.
Censoring Tattoos and Piercings
Boomers used to think that tattoos were hippie and piercings were unprofessional. Gen Z? For them, tattoos are self-expression and personality. That you’re going to be held back from getting a job because you have tattoos? That’s a joke now. You can have a CEO with sleeves full of tattoos and still run a freaking billion-dollar company.
Valuing Appearances Over Authenticity
Boomers were concerned with “what will others think?” All Gen Z cares about now is what they think about themselves. Perfection is a drag; authenticity is the real currency. Fake smiles, keeping up appearances, and living to please others are so not cool anymore. Being raw, messy, and real is.
Save Face, No Matter What
Boomers were concerned with image – having an excuse for divorce, counseling, or internal crisis. Gen Z goes around proudly wearing their scars. It is not shameful to struggle – it’s normal. Pretending that everything is fine just doesn’t sound real.
17 Things Gen Z Gets Wrong About ‘Adulting’
Yes, we agree that they’re super well-versed in memes, side hustles, and iced coffee drinks, but when it comes to the actual business of being a grown-up? Let’s just say it is a little shaky. These are the everyday adulting things Gen Z keeps getting wrong, and they might need a quick reality check.
17 Things Gen Z Gets Wrong About ‘Adulting’
15 Things Gen X Did in the Past That Would Get Gen Z Cancelled Today
Gen X did things that just won’t cut it in today’s “online forever” climate. If Gen Z attempted even half of this, they’d get roasted, ratioed, and hashtag-cancelled before the TikTok even finished loading.
15 Things Gen X Did in the Past That Would Get Gen Z Cancelled Today