Each generation has its challenges, but the obstacles boomers dealt with seem worlds apart from what Gen Z has known. Life without modern conveniences, progressive ideals, or instant access to everything forced boomers to develop resilience in ways that might overwhelm younger generations. Here’s a closer look at the trials boomers endured and why they might leave Gen Z scratching their heads.
Few Career Options Without a Degree
For boomers, entering the workforce without a college degree often meant settling for low-paying jobs with little room for advancement. Opportunities were limited, and many people spent decades in the same job without the ability to pivot or explore new career paths.
Today, Gen Z enjoys options like freelancing, online certifications, and tech-based careers that offer more flexibility.
No Instant Access to Information
In an age without smartphones or the internet, boomers relied on books, libraries, and word-of-mouth to gather information. Even something as simple as finding a recipe or looking up directions could take hours. For Gen Z, who have grown up with Google, YouTube, and AI assistants providing instant answers, the slow pace of learning and problem-solving in the boomer era would feel like an unnecessary and frustrating barrier.
Strict Gender Expectations
Boomers grew up in a time when societal roles for men and women were clearly defined and rigidly enforced. Women were expected to marry young, prioritize homemaking, and raise children, while men bore the financial responsibility for their families.
These expectations often stifled personal dreams and created immense pressure to conform.
For Gen Z, a generation that embraces individuality, equality, and diverse identities, navigating such narrow and restrictive roles would feel incredibly limiting and alienating.
Limited Entertainment Choices
The older generation had far fewer options for entertainment compared to Gen Z. With only a few TV channels, no streaming platforms, and limited access to cinemas, leisure time required creativity. Families played board games, read books, or engaged in outdoor activities to pass the time.
Mandatory Military Drafts
For many young boomer men, the military draft during the Vietnam War era was an unavoidable reality. The fear of being called to serve, coupled with the life-altering consequences of war, created immense anxiety.
There was little room for choice, and refusing to serve came with severe legal and social consequences.
Gen Z, who have grown up in a world of voluntary military service, would likely find the lack of autonomy and the looming threat of a draft deeply unsettling.
High Inflation and Economic Struggles
While boomers eventually benefited from a growing economy, their early years were marked by periods of economic instability. Inflation soared, making everyday necessities harder to afford, and mortgage interest rates reached record highs. Saving for the future required immense discipline, and achieving financial stability was often a long and arduous process.
Delayed Communication
Before the days of instant messaging and social media, staying in touch was a slow and deliberate process. Boomers relied on handwritten letters or expensive long-distance phone calls, often waiting weeks for a response.
Grueling Physical Labor Jobs
A large portion of the workforce during the boomer generation consisted of physically demanding jobs in industries like manufacturing, farming, and construction. These jobs required long hours, offered minimal safety protections, and left workers physically exhausted.
For Gen Z, many of whom work in knowledge-based or tech-driven industries with flexible schedules, the harsh conditions and physical toll of these jobs would be a stark and difficult adjustment.
Mental Health Stigma
Discussions about mental health were rare, and seeking help was often stigmatized during the boomer era. Therapy was considered a last resort, and people were expected to “tough it out” rather than address anxiety, depression, or other mental health struggles.
Travel Was a Luxury
Traveling was far from accessible or common for most boomers. International trips were considered a luxury for the wealthy, and even domestic travel required significant planning and expense.
Gen Z, who have grown up with budget airlines, travel apps, and the cultural norm of exploring the world, would find the limited opportunities to travel both frustrating and restrictive.
Rigid Work Schedules
Flexibility in the workplace didn’t exist during the boomer generation. Workers adhered to strict schedules, often working long hours without the option of remote work or flexible arrangements. Time off was minimal and sometimes frowned upon, even for personal reasons.
For the new generation, who prioritizes work-life balance and job flexibility, adapting to such rigid workplace norms would feel oppressive and unmanageable.
Limited Medical Advancements
Healthcare during the boomer era was far less advanced than it is today. Treatments for diseases were often invasive and risky, and preventive care was minimal. Many now-common vaccines and diagnostic tools didn’t exist, leaving people vulnerable to illnesses that are easily managed today.
Educational Barriers
Access to higher education was limited, especially for women and minorities, during the boomer generation. Financial aid options were scarce, and systemic barriers often excluded many groups from pursuing advanced degrees.
Even when individuals managed to attend college, they often faced immense discrimination and a lack of support networks.
For Gen Z, who benefit from online learning platforms, scholarships, and more inclusive policies, living in a world where higher education was inaccessible to so many would feel both unfair and disheartening. The idea of being turned away based on race, gender, or financial status would clash with Gen Z’s values of equality and opportunity.
Pressure to Conform
Standing out wasn’t celebrated. Whether it was fashion, career choices, or hobbies, fitting in was the goal. Nonconformity was judged harshly, leaving little room for individuality. Gen Z, who pride themselves on breaking molds and celebrating diversity, would struggle in such a uniform world.
Environmental Neglect
Boomers grew up with leaded gasoline, unchecked pollution, and zero recycling programs. Protecting the planet wasn’t even a conversation. For Gen Z, who see sustainability as a core value, living in an era of environmental disregard would be infuriating.
Waiting for Basic Services
Banking? Get in line. Shopping? Expect delays. Scheduling anything? Good luck. The lack of efficiency in everyday life meant waiting, often for hours. Gen Z, who thrive on apps that handle tasks in seconds, would find the boomer era’s inefficiency maddening.
Lack of Representation and Inclusion
Workplaces, schools, and media during the boomer era were dominated by a lack of diversity and inclusion. Marginalized groups, including women and people of color, faced systemic barriers that excluded them from leadership positions and meaningful representation. Opportunities for these communities were minimal, and their voices were often ignored or silenced.