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Hey, Gen X and today’s generations (Millennials and Gen Z)—let’s talk! There’s so much going on right now in the economy, education, music, fashion, sports, and politics that sometimes it’s hard to keep up. But, believe it or not, there’s a lot today’s youth can learn from the experiences of Gen X, the original latchkey kids who navigated some serious challenges during their coming-of-age years.
So, let’s dive in and see how the lessons of Gen X can resonate with and help guide today’s generations.
The Economy: Boom, Bust, and Hustle
Gen X’s Reality Check
Gen X came of age during economic recessions in the 80s and 90s, and then faced the dot-com bubble burst and the 2008 financial crisis later on. Many of them started their careers in unstable job markets, and they were the first generation to fully feel the sting of mounting student debt as college tuition skyrocketed. Sound familiar?
What’s Happening Today
The economy today is still turbulent, with inflation, a lingering pandemic impact, and economic uncertainty making it tough for Millennials and Gen Z to establish financial security. Like Gen X, today’s youth are dealing with rising student debt and a competitive job market. Additionally, they’re navigating the gig economy—freelancing, side hustles, and entrepreneurship are more popular than ever.
What We Can Learn from Gen X
Generation X adapted by being resourceful. Many of them embraced side hustles and entrepreneurship long before it was trendy, setting an example for today’s generations. They’ve shown that diversifying your income streams and developing multiple skills are crucial for financial stability, especially in uncertain times. So if you’re feeling the pressure, take a cue from Gen X: get creative, don’t put all your eggs in one basket, and build something of your own.
Education: The Rising Price of Knowledge
Gen X’s Education Journey
The education landscape changed dramatically during Gen X’s youth. As the economy shifted, a college degree became increasingly essential for career advancement. However, as tuition costs soared, many Gen Xers found themselves saddled with debt that followed them for years. Despite this, they adapted by emphasizing vocational skills and continuing education to stay relevant in their fields.
Education Today
Millennials and Gen Z face even higher tuition fees, making student loans an even more significant burden. The job market is more competitive, and there’s a growing debate around the value of traditional degrees versus certifications and alternative education paths.
Gen X’s Lesson for Today
Generation X’s adaptability in the face of rising education costs offers valuable insight: they embraced lifelong learning. Many Gen Xers turned to skill-based education, vocational training, and online courses later in life to upskill and remain competitive. Today’s students can benefit from diversifying their learning approach—exploring technical programs, online certifications, or apprenticeships that can be just as effective (and often more affordable) than a traditional four-year degree.
Music: Authenticity as the Key to Legacy
Gen X’s Musical Legacy
If there’s one thing Gen X gave us, it’s some of the most iconic music genres—grunge, Hip Hop, punk rock, and alternative music, to name a few. Artists like Tupac, Nirvana, and Public Enemy didn’t just make music; they created movements. They sang about real issues—political corruption, social injustice, and personal struggle—often turning their songs into anthems for rebellion and change.
Today’s Music Landscape
Fast forward to now, and music remains a powerful tool for expression. Modern artists like Kendrick Lamar and Billie Eilish continue to create music with meaning, often addressing mental health, systemic racism, and personal identity. The digital age has democratized music, allowing anyone with a smartphone to produce and share their art. This ease of access and variety in genres reflect the influence of Gen X’s emphasis on authenticity and individuality.
How Gen X’s Approach Can Inspire Today
Gen X taught us that music could be a platform for social commentary and change. Today’s generations can learn from this by embracing authenticity in their art and using their platforms to speak out about issues that matter. Gen X paved the way for music to be raw, real, and unapologetic—reminding us all that music is more than entertainment; it’s a tool for cultural and social impact.
Fashion: Nostalgia and Sustainability
Fashion Icons of Gen X
When you think about Gen X fashion, you probably think of baggy jeans, flannel shirts, combat boots, and tracksuits. From grunge to Hip Hop streetwear, Gen X used fashion as a way to push back against societal norms and express their individuality. They were the original thrifters, making the most of what they had and making it cool.
Fashion Today
Today’s fashion world is all about nostalgia and sustainability, and you can thank Gen X for that! The return of 90s-inspired looks, like wide-leg jeans and oversized graphic tees, shows that Gen Z and Millennials love a good throwback. There’s also a growing emphasis on sustainable fashion—thrift shopping, upcycling, and eco-friendly brands are all the rage.
What Today’s Fashion Lovers Can Learn
Generation X’s resourceful approach to fashion is a great lesson in sustainability. Today’s generations can take a page from the Gen X playbook by embracing eco-friendly fashion choices and focusing on quality over quantity. By prioritizing sustainable practices and ethical consumption, young people today can build a wardrobe that’s not just stylish but also mindful of its environmental impact.
Sports: Building Brands and Advocating for Change
Gen X’s Athletic Icons
The 80s, 90s, and 2000s gave us some of the most influential athletes—Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, and Shaquille O’Neal. These icons didn’t just excel in their sports; they built brands and influenced culture beyond the game. Jordan’s Air Jordans and Shaq’s media empire are testaments to how sports figures could become cultural icons. Many of them also used their influence to speak out on social issues and support their communities.
Today’s Sports Scene
Modern athletes like LeBron James and Naomi Osaka are following in Gen X’s footsteps, using their platforms for activism and building their own business empires. Social media has amplified their reach, allowing them to engage with fans and advocate for causes like racial justice, mental health awareness, and equality in sports.
Learning from Gen X Athletes
Gen X athletes showed that you could build a brand and make an impact beyond your sport. Today’s generations can learn to leverage their platforms for positive change and financial independence. The lesson here is about using influence responsibly—being a voice for those who don’t have one and using your position to create opportunities for others.
Politics: Pragmatism and Progress
Gen X’s Political Pragmatism
Gen X grew up during the tail end of the Cold War and witnessed major political and economic changes. This cohort developed a pragmatic approach to politics, often avoiding ideological extremes in favor of finding balanced, practical solutions. They were the first to experience the internet’s influence on politics, setting the stage for today’s digital political landscape.
Today’s Political Climate
The political landscape today is highly polarized, but younger generations are increasingly engaged, with Gen Z and Millennials mobilizing for climate action, racial justice, and political reform. Gen X’s balanced, pragmatic approach offers a valuable perspective for today’s youth, who are often bombarded with divisive rhetoric.
What Today’s Activists Can Learn
Gen X’s approach teaches that progress often comes through balance and compromise. In a time of extreme polarization, today’s generations can benefit from understanding how to navigate complex political landscapes with a focus on practical, achievable goals. Pragmatism doesn’t mean abandoning principles—it means finding ways to push forward with solutions that can unite people rather than divide them.
Wrapping Up: The Power of Experience
Generation X’s journey shows that resilience, authenticity, and adaptability are key to thriving in an ever-changing world. Today’s generations face their own unique challenges, but by learning from Gen X’s experiences—whether in the economy, education, music, fashion, sports, or politics—they can build a future that is both innovative and true to their values.
Let’s take these lessons to heart, blending the best of what each generation has to offer as we navigate the future together. After all, it’s not just about knowing the past; it’s about using it as a guide to create a better, more unified future.