Gen X is often called the “middle child” of generations. Sandwiched between Baby Boomers and Millennials, they sometimes get overlooked in the grand scheme of cultural chatter.
But here’s the thing: This group of latchkey kids, MTV lovers, and early internet explorers brought a unique blend of resilience and creativity into the world—often without a whole lot of fanfare.
I’ve always found Gen Xers fascinating for the way they manage to balance skepticism with a surprising level of optimism.
They grew up in an era of big hair bands, early video games, and the dawn of the personal computer.
Yet somewhere along the line, they didn’t just keep pace with rapid changes—they thrived in the background, supporting innovation and driving trends.
So, let’s dive into seven things Gen Xers should absolutely celebrate about themselves, even if they’ve never quite gotten the recognition they deserve.
1. They grew up with changing technology and adapted like pros
Let’s start with something that might seem obvious: Gen Xers have lived through massive technological shifts and tackled each one with impressive grace.
They witnessed the rise of home computers and the internet, but they also remember rotary phones and dial-up modems. That’s no small feat.
Plenty of generations struggle to keep up when technology transforms society so drastically, but Gen X rolled with it.
They learned how to troubleshoot issues on their home computers in the early days and then quickly pivoted to smartphones and tablets when those became the norm.
I still recall my cousin, who’s a proud Gen Xer, telling me about how she’d spend hours trying to configure her first home computer just so she could join a bulletin board forum.
That willingness to figure things out and not give up at the first sign of a glitch is a defining trait.
Gen Xers paved the way for a tech-savvy culture by proving you could learn to love new tools, no matter how alien they seemed at first.
2. They mastered life’s balancing act
If there’s one thing I truly admire, it’s how Gen Xers manage to juggle so many responsibilities—often without complaining.
They’re the generation that stepped into an adulthood of rapid cultural, economic, and workplace changes.
Suddenly, career paths weren’t so linear. Family structures shifted. And the concept of work-life balance started to become mainstream.
Many of them handled these shifts by forging new routes for themselves, from pioneering flexible work options to blazing trails in entrepreneurial ventures.
They learned to switch between caring for aging parents, raising kids, and building their careers, all while maintaining a sense of self.
That adaptable spirit shows a real tenacity. They’ve proven that you can do more than just “hang on” during uncertain times—you can thrive.
3. They contributed to iconic pop culture moments
Gen X gifted the world with some seriously memorable trends.
Think about it: They were at the heart of grunge music, cult classic films, and the heyday of MTV. Even now, references to 80s and 90s pop culture are everywhere.
Whether it’s fashion trends making a comeback or people streaming old-school favorites on Netflix, the influence of Gen X can’t be ignored.
Growing up, I was glued to the TV watching music videos and quirky sitcoms that were basically brought to life for and by Gen Xers. They spearheaded a cultural landscape that was raw, experimental, and unapologetically different.
I once heard a radio host say, “Generation X gave us reality bites and reality checks,” and I couldn’t agree more.
They introduced a brand of pop culture that’s still alive today in the form of nostalgic reboots and endless references to iconic 80s and 90s flicks.
4. They were raised to be self-reliant
Not everyone sees the term “latchkey kid” in a positive light, but it’s a testament to how independent Gen Xers became at a young age.
Many grew up learning to cook, clean, and generally fend for themselves while their parents worked long hours or took on multiple jobs.
That early lesson in self-reliance ended up shaping their entire worldview.
I remember one Gen X friend telling me how being a latchkey kid taught him time management.
He had to figure out when to start homework, when to pop dinner in the microwave, and when to grab an after-school snack—all without any adult supervision.
This generation developed the ability to solve problems on the fly and adapt in ways that made them confident decision-makers later in life.
That’s something to be proud of, even if it often goes unacknowledged.
5. They navigated economic ups and downs with resilience
One of the lesser-discussed points about Gen X is how they managed to build their lives amid a rollercoaster economy.
They’ve seen recessions, job market fluctuations, and bursts of technological upheaval that sometimes made certain career paths obsolete overnight.
Instead of folding, most Gen Xers simply learned to pivot.
They found ways to secure stability in an ever-shifting landscape, often by diversifying their skill sets or branching out into freelance opportunities.
That adaptability might not always be praised, but it’s a powerful skill: it shows they’re willing to grow, no matter what the job market throws at them.
6. They bridge generational gaps with finesse
Gen Xers sit in a unique spot.
On one side, there are Boomers who grew up with a different set of cultural norms. On the other side, there are Millennials and Gen Zers, who came of age in a hyper-connected digital world.
Sometimes, Gen X folks joke they’re the “forgotten middle child,” but that position comes with a serious advantage: They understand both worlds.
Being positioned between two generations can be a strength rather than a burden.
Gen X has become expert translators, mediators, and mentors. They can chat with Boomer coworkers about how things used to be, then turn around and offer valuable advice to younger employees about finding their footing.
Their unique sense of perspective allows them to unite different age groups and foster collaboration in a way few other generations can.
7. They embody an authentic “DIY” spirit
Last but not least, authenticity runs strong in Gen X.
This isn’t a generation that likes to sugarcoat. They grew up bombarded with commercialism and marketing slogans, but they also discovered alternative music scenes and underground movements that taught them to question the mainstream.
They were big on expressing individuality— from punk rock to indie film—long before social media made personal branding a thing.
This “do it yourself” approach also applies to practical life skills. I’ve met Gen Xers who can fix up a home, repair a computer, and cook a stellar meal in the same afternoon.
They taught themselves so many skills simply because they found a need and decided to fill it.
This is also likely why author and generational researcher Neil Howe believes that it’s Gen X who will emerge as crucial leaders in a crisis.
As he said, “They’re very resourceful, very pragmatic. They don’t really count on much, they expect they have to do everything themselves, and to think outside the box.”
If that doesn’t merit pride, I don’t know what does.
Putting it all together
Gen Xers might not always get the spotlight, but that’s precisely why it’s time to celebrate them.
They adapted through massive tech changes, raised themselves to be independent thinkers, pulled off cultural coups that still echo today, and managed to do all of it with minimal fuss.
Here at DMNews, we love highlighting the strengths different generations bring to the table, and Gen X is no exception.
The next time you hear someone gloss over this generation, don’t be shy about pointing out all the ways they’ve made the world a better, cooler, and more balanced place—often without expecting any credit in return.
Whether it’s their tech fluency, career resilience, or authentic DIY mindset, Gen X truly has a lot to be proud of.
So if you’re a Gen Xer reading this, don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back. You’ve earned it.
And if no one has told you before, let this article be a reminder of just how much your generation has accomplished. Keep being you. You’re doing just fine.
