Gen X vs Gen Z

However, on the whole while Gen Z remains technologically savvy,  their ethos to life and work is incomparable to Gen X. 

As a member of Generation X, (born between 1965 to 1980) I often find myself reflecting on the values and traits that define us. We are a generation that prides itself on being fearless, independent, hardworking, and empathetic. While we are known for our resilience and dedication, we also face the challenge of understanding and interacting with Generation Z, who we sometimes view as lily-livered and workshy, lacking the stoicism and commitment to responsibility that we hold dear.

Generation X grew up during a time of significant social and economic changes. We witnessed the rise of dual-income households, the advent of the internet, and the proliferation of digital technology. These experiences shaped our approach to work and life, making us adaptable and resourceful. We are not workshy, we have consistently risen to challenges, demonstrating our ability to get the job done, no matter what the obstacles are. Our commitment to our beliefs is unwavering, and we are not afraid to stand up for what we think is right.

Our fearlessness is evident in the way we tackle challenges head-on. Whether it’s navigating a tough job market, balancing work and family responsibilities, or advocating for social change, we do not shy away from difficult situations. This courage is complemented by our independence. We learned to be self-reliant and resourceful, often managing without the safety nets that are more prevalent today. This independence has taught us the value of hard work and perseverance.

Hard work is a cornerstone of our identity. We are known for our strong work ethic, often going above and beyond to achieve our goals. We understand the importance of dedication and persistence, and we take pride in our ability to deliver results. Our generation is characterised by a deep sense of responsibility, both in our personal and professional lives.

Empathy is another defining trait of Generation X. We have a strong sense of community and are committed to supporting those around us. This empathy drives our actions and shapes our interactions, making us compassionate and understanding. We strive to make a positive impact, whether through volunteering, mentoring, or simply being there for our loved ones.

When we look at Generation Z, we see a generation that is different in many ways. Some of us perceive them as lacking the same level of commitment and resilience that we value. We see them as more nomadic, willing to leave the comfort of their jobs, often because they can rely on their parents for support. This reliance on external support systems sometimes gives the impression that they are not as dedicated to responsibility as we are.

Moreover, we view Gen Z as less stoic. Their openness about mental health and emotional well-being is a stark contrast to our tendency to keep our struggles private. While this openness is commendable, it sometimes leads us to perceive them as less resilient. We grew up in an era where showing vulnerability was often seen as a sign of weakness, and we learned to soldier on despite our challenges. Arguably  Gen Z’s willingness to speak up about their mental health is not a sign of fragility but rather an indication of their evolved understanding of resilience. However, on the whole while Gen Z remains technologically savvy,  their ethos to life and work  is incomparable to Gen X.

We want to see the world, not be governed by our jobs and have no time for ourselves, but to have time for us and to ‘Carpe Diem’. However, there is also the fact that we want to run away from who we are and life as we see it because reality can seem daunting...

The tale, Beauty and The Beast has not only transcended time for only its beautiful characters and narration but for its poignant message as well - look within, not only at what you see upfront and in general.

The questions of the generations, their differences and similarities are somewhat similar to the tale of Beauty and The Beast. We see, of course we do, but do we really look to know what’s within? And does the majority's thoughts on our generations truly reflect who we are?and what we want out of life?

And so with the intent of attempting to answer these questions let me tell you what I think as a fellow Gen Z (those born between 1997 - 2012). We are certainly no beauty like Belle but we are certainly no beast -in its literal sense. However, like the beast, we too remain a misunderstood generation. Let’s begin by understanding us. Who are we and what culture and society have we been privy to and thus the culture we’ve created.

Gen Z’s live in a time of exponential growth. As the world around us begins to expand so do we. As social media offers a glimpse of what life is and what it could be,  we find that we no longer want to be confined to the norms of a 9 to 5 job. We have not the patience and I personally don’t have the stomach for it. Life, seems long but we all know it's short and our generation strives to live life in its full essence. We want to see the world, not be governed by our jobs and have no time for ourselves, but to have time for us and to ‘Carpe Diem’. However, there is also the fact that we want to run away from who we are and life as we see it, because reality and  although we remain optimistic towards it can seem daunting with the impeding problems in the world.

So, in that sense our culture is one that strives for passion, freedom and fulfilment. We also however, have a culture that is rumbustious, outspoken and in many ways, crude. Our relationships both with friends, peers and mentors alike are ones that are built on trust and loyalty. We although striving,  to remain optimistic, take time to trust.

This, is in my opinion not the entire truth. Much like the beast whose claws and loud bellowing voice leads to the assumption that he is wicked, we generalise all who seem similar to be just the same. All Gen Z’s don’t fit into this perception. There’s tremendous diversity even among us Gen Z’s.

There are those I know who revel in the 9 - 5, others who hate it. There are those of us that love social media and those like me who get tired of it. There are those of us, that love Shakespeare and the old customs and traditions and those of us who think customs and traditions are redundant. There are those that love the city and hustle and those like me, who leave the hustle to live in stillness.

I’ve been fortunate to be a part of many generations. And like some in my generation the strict code of values or the societal structure they belonged to rubbing on us, expecting us to be as they were can be rather annoying. The famous phrase ‘in our time’ I’m sure makes most of us get rather irritated. But, learning from my grandparents and  parents and by having the good fortune to have long conversations with them, I’ve come to realise while occasionally I may not understand, I see their world as much as they’d try to see mine. My grandpa is a huge fan of MacGyver and compared to most TV series today the show is creative but the execution of it can be questioned. But believe it or not I started watching it at 15 and at 21 it still remains my all time favourite show. And so with common ground there, my atha and I are like the best of friends.

Even, with our parents I don’t think what makes us different or difficult to understand them, is the fact that they come from a different time to ours - but because we are not made to understand who and where they come from  - which leads to annoyance. We are expected to simply understand without being given a chance to know where they come from. Whereas, if open and honest conversations were had, while of course we may disagree we may be more lenient and understanding towards them. 

So, maybe, like the beast that needed to be understood and seen for who HE was and not be judged by the general perception of a ‘Beast’ maybe we generations need to be seen as the individuals we are before the generational labels.