Outmoded practices that boomers mistake for “basic logic” which are simply exasperating to everyone else
They have good intentions, but the world has shifted. Here are 8 practices boomers cling to that secretly frustrate others.
We all adopt customs from previous generations. Some withstand the test of time, like expressing gratitude or holding doors for others. However, some? Not so much.
Boomers, specifically, have several “basic logic” actions that made perfect sense years ago but now feel painfully disconnected.
They were raised in an environment that valued resilience and customs, but the landscape has changed dramatically since then.
I’m not here to criticize an entire age group. I’ve gained valuable insights from boomers, especially regarding diligence and perseverance.
Yet, certain behaviors haven’t evolved well, and holding onto them only distances the younger generations they often label as “privileged” or “overly sensitive.”
Let’s dive into a few. Here are eight obsolete practices that many boomers still consider timeless wisdom, even though they mostly just drive everyone else up the wall.
1) Merging busyness with productivity
You know that individual who boasts about clocking 60-hour weeks as if being worn out is a trophy? That’s peak boomer vibe.
For many years, “the hustle” was regarded as a sign of dedication. The longer you lingered in the office, the more successful you were thought to be.
Today’s professionals prioritize results, not hours logged. Working intelligently rather than extensively is now the new status symbol.
If anything, boasting about being overly busy now comes off as lacking personal boundaries, not a sign of commitment.
2) Viewing younger colleagues as perpetual interns
Some boomers seem to assume they’re perpetually the most knowledgeable person present, even when they’re not.
You might possess years of expertise, but if you’re younger, some still regard you as a novice in need of “mentorship.”
This isn’t merely condescending; it’s counterproductive.
In an era where knowledge evolves rapidly, respect for expertise should be reciprocal.
Younger generations bring their own skills in technology, communication, and cultural awareness that deserve recognition.
Experience matters, certainly. But keeping pace is equally crucial.
3) Oversharing personal views at unsuitable times
Boomers often take pride in “speaking their mind.” They consider candidness a virtue, and sometimes it is.
Nonetheless, not every notion needs to be vocalized, particularly in professional or diverse settings.
Be it politics, religion, or unsolicited lifestyle opinions, some boomers struggle with reading social cues.
Transparency is vital, yet empathy and timing are far more critical. Simply stating “that’s just common sense” doesn’t excuse anyone from being unkind.
In today’s environment, emotional intelligence holds much greater significance than unfiltered views.
4) Reluctance to embrace new technology
We all recognize that one boomer who insists that “genuine conversations don’t occur over text” or who continues to print emails “just in case.”
I understand. Technology evolves rapidly. However, at a certain point, resisting change transitions from preference to obstruction.
I worked in a hospitality group where the owner, a man in his late 60s, refused to use the new digital scheduling system.
Instead, he would handwrite all shifts and stick them to the wall. Each time someone needed a swap, it turned into a logistical ordeal.
In contrast, the rest of us were coordinating shifts on our phones within seconds.
The reality is, technology isn’t eliminating human connection; it’s transforming how we nurture it. Embracing change doesn’t mean forsaking your values.
It means remaining relevant in today’s world.
5) Confusing “respect” with “submission”
This issue is prevalent in families, workplaces, and even dining establishments.
Many boomers were raised with the belief that “respect” meant not challenging authority.
Yet for younger generations, respect is reciprocal. It isn’t something to demand; it’s something to cultivate.
I’ve witnessed this scenario play out at work numerous times. Pose a clarifying question or propose a superior method, and suddenly you’re labeled “disrespectful.”
Respecting someone doesn’t require agreement. It signifies valuing their perspective, even if it contrasts with yours.
Clinging to antiquated hierarchies doesn’t reinforce teams. It merely silences individuals who may have your next groundbreaking idea.
6) Minimizing mental health issues as “fragility”
This is one of the most challenging generational divides to bridge.
We do it to prevent a breakdown. The aim isn’t to complain. It’s to maintain sustainability.
Whether it’s gender identities, environmental consciousness, or shifting views on diet, there’s always a sarcastic retort available. “In my time, we just consumed meat without overanalyzing it.”
However, awareness changes. What we once overlooked, such as mental health, ecological issues, or representation, now carries significant weight for very good reasons.
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