Dear Gen Xerswe’ve often heard you talk about what you’ve been through, the changes you’ve seen happening in the world, the leaps and bounds of the technological revolution that you were called upon to train in without any background, and of course the darkness at the end of the tunnel that seemed to catching up.

Indeed, while it could be said that the boomers lived through “golden” times, with economic and all other growth, the same is not true of the Gen Xers, in whose years it began to appear that it was nothing more than a bubble , ready to burst.

But here’s the thing, Gen Xers: The bubble didn’t burst in your hands, but in the hands of those after you, the Millenials. I understand, of course, you were older and it’s harder to adjust to big changes at an older age.

But you have one difference with the Millenials: They didn’t even have time to dream

Let’s put it simply: Millenials faced the “monster” of a massive economic recession in their very tender teenage years, before they could make any plans for the future, much less hope that any of them could come true. Entering the professional arena, they saw every ideal of effort-reward shattered, since today studies are underpaid, while the golden spoons are in the drawers of influencers, TikTokers and Onlyfaners (doesn’t exist, but I give title ideas), getting a car was considered suddenly luxury, while that of a house an elusive dream. Job and financial insecurity is a constant in the lives of Millennials, and as if all that wasn’t enough, a pandemic has come in the most productive phase of their lives to cut off any ambitious path to financial, professional and personal development.

And so, fellow Gen Xers, Millenials entered their 30s with conditions that are far from what they were promised: “Study, work and you will be rewarded for your efforts, you will be able to get your own house, car, create a family, travel and reach the top of your professional ambitions”. Promises that in no way correspond to the reality they encountered.

At the same time, Gen X had time to acquire professional experience, which allowed them to feel more secure at work (who will be fired, the old one?) and most likely also had time to acquire a car or a house, which however in continued to struggle too much to maintain, we recognize that.

As a related New York Times article typically states, “Gen X has been affected by certain social changes and declining economic conditions, but on the other hand, it is the only generation that is gradually regaining economic strength.”

The older Gen X is also ruled by a significant advantage: It is a generation more resistant to obstacles and difficulties, which allows it to handle better and cooler things, something that is clearly absent from Boomers and Millennials.

So what can millennials learn from the more experienced?

Erica Lasan explains:

“Gen X and the Boomers have security as their central idea, to find a good job that will pay well and allow you to have a home, a family and generally the standard of living you desire. It is, however, clear that there is no security currently in the market. Thus, many millennials become disillusioned, lose their purpose and motivation. They’re so caught up in what others consider success, that they’re often unable to discern what makes them truly happy, what they want from their lives,” she tells PureWow.

He continues: “Let’s start with the Boomers. Once they were given the idea of ​​what to strive for, they did it to the best of their ability, worked hard and were rewarded. This is a lesson for all generations, because right now there is an idea that success has to happen immediately, now. No great success, however, happens overnight. Boomers and Gen Xers know the value of patience and understand the importance of lessons learned along the way to the top. Gen X also taught us the value of always remembering where we came from and understanding that this can affect where we are going. This is a generation that had to learn from a very young age to adapt to a world that is changing at a very fast pace. That helped her become flexible.”

“There are three important steps:

  • The rediscovery. Millenials need to re-set goals and regain their vision for a good life, making sure they follow the path that will make them happy.
  • Reconnecting with joy and learning how it aligns with purpose. Thus, it will cease to look like an agonizing hunt and will turn into a way of life.
  • The recommitment to their purpose and identity, always through happiness. They need to reset themselves into “winner mode”.

Once they understand who they are and what you are meant to do, then they will be able to follow the right path that will lead them to happiness. However, it is equally important that they stay true to their vision, not to lose your courage and competitiveness, no matter how many obstacles come their way.”