Having to sit between the influential Baby Boomers who had it all and Millennials who embraced change and new technology, Gen X often think they had it hard. There are many reasons why Gen Xers may feel like they had it the hardest. Here are 18 of them:
They Came of Age During a Time of Economic Uncertainty
The 1970s and 1980s were a time of recessions, high unemployment, and inflation. This made it difficult for Gen Xers to find jobs and start their careers.
They Faced High Levels of Student Debt
College tuition has been rising steadily for decades, and Gen Xers were no exception. Many Gen Xers graduated from college with significant debt, making it difficult to buy a home or start a family.
They Had to Deal With the AIDS Crisis
The AIDS crisis began in the early 1980s and had a devastating impact on Gen Xers. Many Gen Xers lost friends and loved ones to AIDS, and this experience left a lasting impact on them.
They Were the First Generation to Grow Up With the Internet
The internet was still in its early stages when Gen Xers were coming of age, and they had to learn how to navigate this new technology. This challenge gave Gen Xers a unique perspective on the world. While this sounds great, the first internet was dial-up, which was very painful then!
They Are Often Overlooked
Gen X was stuck in the middle, with some people in the progressive camp that embraced technology and others fighting against it. This made some Gen Xers feel they needed to be heard or understood.
They Had to Deal With the Rise of Divorce and Single-Parent Households
The divorce rate in the United States began to rise in the 1970s, and Gen Xers were the first generation to grow up in large numbers in single-parent households. This had a significant impact on their lives.
They Saw the Increasing Gap Between Rich and Poor
The gap between the rich and the poor widened in the 1980s, and Gen Xers were the first generation to experience this firsthand. This made it difficult for them to achieve the American Dream.
They Lived Through the Threat of Nuclear War
The Cold War was at its peak in the 1980s, and Gen Xers grew up with the threat of nuclear war hanging over their heads. This was a constant source of anxiety for them.
They Dealt With the Environmental Crisis
The environmental crisis became more severe in the 1980s, and Gen Xers were the first generation to be aware of its threat. This made them more concerned about the future of the planet.
They Were the Latchkey Generation
Many Gen Xers came home from school to an empty house because their parents were working. This made them more independent and self-reliant, leaving them lonely and isolated.
They Were the MTV Generation
MTV was launched in 1981, and it had a significant impact on Gen Xers. They were the first generation to grow up with music videos and reality TV, which shaped their values and worldview. This was an exciting time but also a time when peer pressure was at its highest.
They Were the Grunge Generation
Grunge music emerged in the early 1990s and spoke to the angst and alienation felt by many Gen Xers. This music helped them to feel less alone and gave them a sense of identity, but it also ostracized them from certain pockets of society.
They Were the Generation of Slackers
Gen Xers were often accused of being lazy and apathetic. However, this was just a coping mechanism for dealing with the challenges they faced.
They Were the Generation of Diversity
Gen Xers are the most diverse generation in American history. This diversity has made them more tolerant and understanding of others. That said, like other generations, those who stood up against equality were often targeted with abuse.
They Are the Generation of Technology
Gen Xers are the first generation to grow up with computers and the internet. This has made them more adaptable and innovative.
They Are the Generation of Change
Gen Xers have lived through a significant change and are prepared to embrace even more change in the future. This did bring some promise but also meant tumultuous times for Gen Xers.
They Are the Generation of Hope
Gen Xers are the generation that will inherit the world and are determined to make it a better place. With hope comes pressure, so it is more complex than it seems.
They Are the Generation That Will Make a Difference
Gen Xers are the generation that will solve the world’s problems and do it with creativity, innovation, and compassion. Gen Xers want people to know this, but sometimes they struggle to be heard.
These are just a few reasons why Gen Xers may feel like they had it the hardest. However, it is important to remember that every generation faces its challenges. Gen Xers have overcome many obstacles, and they are now a strong and resilient generation ready to take on future challenges.
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