The generational gap can often lead to entertaining exchanges, particularly when it comes to advice. Many millennials find themselves laughing at the well-intentioned but outdated suggestions from the Boomer generation, which don’t always align with the realities of the modern world. From the way we work to the way we communicate, much has changed, making some of this Boomer advice amusingly irrelevant in today’s context. Let’s dive into some examples.
Buy a House As Soon as You Can
In the Boomer era, real estate was a much more affordable prospect. However, with today’s inflated housing markets, this advice often feels like a cruel joke to millennials, many of whom struggle with steep rents, let alone saving for a down payment on a house.
You Need to Learn to Write in Cursive
While cursive writing was once seen as a vital skill, the digital age has made it largely unnecessary. With communication now predominantly typed, cursive is rarely used outside of signing documents.
You Don’t Need the Internet to Get a Job
Boomers who landed jobs by knocking on doors and handing out physical resumes might find it hard to comprehend the importance of digital networking today. Online job boards, LinkedIn, and email are now essential tools in the job hunt.
Only Use Credit Cards for Emergencies
While this advice was given with good intentions, credit cards are now a key part of building a good credit history. Regular, responsible use of credit cards can help millennials qualify for larger loans in the future, such as mortgages.
Get a Stable Job and Stay There for Life
The concept of job loyalty has significantly changed over the years. Millennials today often change jobs to advance their careers, improve their skills, or seek better work-life balance.
Never Discuss Your Salary
While Boomers were taught to consider salary discussions as taboo, millennials understand the importance of wage transparency. Sharing salary information can help to ensure fair pay and mitigate wage gaps in the workplace.
Marriage and Kids Should Be Your Top Priority
While family is still essential for many, millennials are redefining success beyond traditional milestones like marriage and parenthood. Today, it’s not uncommon to prioritize careers, travel, or personal growth.
Always Wear a Suit to a Job Interview
In an era of tech start-ups and casual work cultures, wearing a suit to an interview can sometimes seem overdressed and out of touch. It’s more important to dress appropriately for the company culture.
You Don’t Need Therapy, You Just Need to Toughen Up
Mental health is now recognized as being just as important as physical health. Encouraging people to simply “toughen up” discounts the importance of mental wellness and seeking help when needed.
Buy a New Car for Reliability
New cars depreciate in value the moment they’re driven off the lot. Many millennials opt for used cars or even choose to forego car ownership entirely, relying on public transit or ride-sharing services.
Don’t Talk About Politics or Religion
While avoiding these topics might prevent some conflicts, it can also hinder open dialogue about important issues. Millennials are often more open to discussing these subjects to foster understanding and change.
The Customer is Always Right
This age-old adage is often disputed in today’s work culture. While customer satisfaction is important, businesses today are recognizing the importance of supporting their employees in disputes, particularly when customers are being unreasonable.
Invest in Gold, It’s the Safest Investment
While gold can be a part of a diversified investment portfolio, it’s not the guaranteed money-maker it was once considered to be. Millennials tend to prefer diverse investment portfolios with a mix of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
Don’t Waste Your Time on Video Games
Once seen as a frivolous pastime, the gaming industry is now a viable career choice. Whether it’s game development, e-sports, or streaming on platforms like Twitch, there’s real money to be made.
A College Degree Guarantees a Good Job
With the rising cost of education and an oversaturated job market, a degree is no longer a sure ticket to a well-paying job. Many millennials are exploring trades, coding boot camps, or entrepreneurship as alternatives to traditional higher education.
Work Your Way Up from the Bottom
While it’s still possible to climb the corporate ladder, many millennials are creating their own opportunities through entrepreneurship and freelancing. This approach offers more control over their careers, even if it comes with its own set of challenges.
Respect Your Elders
While respecting others is still crucial, millennials understand that respect should be based on a person’s actions and character, not just their age. They believe in questioning authority when necessary and holding people accountable, regardless of their seniority.
Don’t Share Personal Information Online
While it’s important to be cautious about sharing sensitive information, the digital age has made sharing a part of daily life. Social media, online networking, and digital portfolios are all common, requiring a balance of openness and privacy.
While these pieces of Boomer advice may seem hilariously outdated, it’s worth remembering that they come from a different era with different challenges and norms. As times change, so does our perspective on what constitutes good advice. Here’s to understanding and learning from each other, across all generations.
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