It’s no secret there’s a generational gap between Millennials and Baby Boomers.
One of the key areas where this shows up is in what each generation finds to grumble about. It seems as though Millennials have a unique catalog of complaints that leave Boomers shaking their heads.
These are the issues that Millennials can’t help but vent about. And the Boomers? Well, they just don’t get it.
In this list, we’ll dive into the 7 biggest grievances of Millennials that make Boomers roll their eyes. Brace yourself, it’s going to be a wild ride across the generational divide.
1) Lack of affordable housing
There’s no denying it—housing prices have skyrocketed over the past few decades. It’s a gripe that Millennials just can’t shake off.
To Boomers, who potentially bought their first homes when prices were comparatively minuscule, the constant chatter about unaffordable housing might seem like a broken record.
But for Millennials, it’s a genuine concern. They’re faced with the harsh reality of either forking out an enormous amount of their monthly income to pay rent or save for a house deposit that seems to only get further out of reach.
Boomers might roll their eyes at this, but it’s a struggle that is all too real for the younger generation. The gap between wages and housing prices is wider than it’s ever been, making this a burning issue for Millennials—one they won’t stop talking about any time soon.
2) The job market
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard my Millennial friends bemoan the state of the job market.
I remember my friend, Sarah, who graduated with a degree in graphic design. She applied for dozens of jobs but only heard back from a handful. She ended up working as a barista for a while before finally landing a job in her field.
Boomers might dismiss this as typical post-graduation blues. But the fact is, the job market has changed dramatically.
In the Boomer’s days, it was often enough to have a degree to secure a good job. Today, Millennials are finding that even with degrees and internships under their belts, getting into their chosen career path is no picnic.
The eye rolls from Boomers might come quick and fast, but this is a real issue for my generation. And it’s a conversation we’re not willing to abandon just yet.
3) Climate change
Climate change is a topic Millennials can’t seem to stop talking about, and understandably so. The earth’s average temperature has risen by 1.62 degrees Fahrenheit since the late 19th century, primarily due to human activities.
This concern is often met with dismissive eye rolls from the Boomer generation who might not feel the urgency of the problem as acutely as Millennials do.
While Boomers might see this constant chatter as alarmist, for Millennials it’s a matter of their future. The potential consequences of climate change are dire, and it’s an issue that will significantly shape their lives and the lives of their children.
So while Boomers might find the incessant climate change talk tiresome, it’s a topic that’s not going anywhere for Millennials.
4) Student loan debt
Student loan debt is a topic that almost every Millennial can relate to, and it’s a frequent subject of complaint.
The cost of education has skyrocketed over the past few decades, leaving many Millennials with hefty student loans to repay. It’s a financial burden that hangs over their heads as they try to navigate adulthood, and it’s a constant source of stress.
Boomers often find this hard to understand. Many of them attended college at a time when tuition was significantly cheaper, and they were able to graduate without the mountain of debt that most Millennials are saddled with.
This disconnect often leads to eye-rolls and dismissive comments from Boomers, but the reality is that student loan debt is a significant problem for Millennials—one that they can’t simply stop talking about.
5) The digital age and social media
Navigating the digital age, particularly the world of social media, is something that has become a part of everyday life for my generation. It’s a double-edged sword, though.
On one hand, it’s an incredible tool that allows us to connect with people from all over the world, stay informed, and express ourselves. On the other hand, it’s also a source of anxiety and stress.
There have been countless nights where I’ve found myself scrolling through my social media feeds, comparing myself to others and feeling inadequate. It’s something many Millennials can relate to.
Boomers often roll their eyes at this complaint. They grew up in a time before social media, and they often view it as a trivial concern. But for us Millennials, it’s just another aspect of modern life that we grapple with on a daily basis.
6) Work-life balance
Work-life balance is a term that’s thrown around a lot these days, especially among Millennials. It’s a concept that is important to us. We crave jobs that not only pay the bills but also offer flexibility and time for personal pursuits.
However, this often leaves Boomers scratching their heads. They come from an era where the norm was to clock in long hours at work without complaint.
To them, the Millennial yearning for a better work-life balance may seem like we’re shirking our responsibilities or not committed enough. But the truth is, we value our time outside of work just as much as our time at work.
While Boomers might roll their eyes at this, it’s an issue that’s a top priority for Millennials and one we aren’t going to stop discussing anytime soon.
7) Mental health
Perhaps the most critical issue that Millennials talk about is mental health. It’s a conversation that has grown louder over the years and for good reason.
Unlike previous generations, Millennials are more open about their struggles with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. We understand the importance of discussing these topics openly and seeking help when needed.
To Boomers, this might seem like unnecessary oversharing or an excuse. But the reality is, mental health is a serious issue that affects a significant portion of the Millennial population.
The importance of this conversation cannot be overstated. It’s an issue that needs to be taken seriously, and it’s something we will continue to talk about, no matter how many eye rolls it elicits from older generations.
