Every generation has its catchphrases, but some just hit a nerve. For Millennials and Gen Z, hearing the same comments from Boomers can feel like a broken record—especially when those comments overlook the realities of today’s world. From outdated financial advice to dismissive takes on mental health, these phrases often come across as out of touch. Here are 14 things younger generations are tired of hearing from Boomers.
1. “Stop Buying Lattes, And You’ll Be Able To Afford A House.”
If only skipping a $5 latte could cover a down payment. This phrase has become the poster child for out-of-touch financial advice. While Boomers might see daily coffee runs as a waste, younger generations face skyrocketing housing costs that no amount of caffeine deprivation can fix. Rent, student loans, and stagnant wages make homeownership far more challenging than it was decades ago. As reported by The Washington Post, “The ‘latte factor,’ popularized by personal finance author David Bach, suggests that cutting small daily expenses can lead to significant savings over time. However, this advice oversimplifies the complex financial challenges faced by younger generations in today’s housing market.”
Suggesting that skipping small luxuries is the solution ignores the systemic factors that have made homeownership less accessible. So, while cutting back on lattes might save a few bucks, it’s not going to magically buy a house in today’s economy.
2. “You Wouldn’t Survive Back In My Day…”
This phrase instantly makes younger generations brace for a lecture. While Boomers often use it to share their experiences, it can come across as dismissive of the challenges Millennials and Gen Z face today. Times have changed—what worked decades ago doesn’t always apply now. Comparing past hardships to current struggles often minimizes the unique pressures younger generations deal with. According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, “Intergenerational communication often suffers from a ‘reminiscence bump,’ where older adults tend to recall and emphasize experiences from their young adulthood, potentially leading to dismissive attitudes towards current generational challenges.”
From student debt and job competition to the cost of living and climate anxiety, today’s world presents different obstacles. Hearing “back in my day” can feel like a way of saying, “Your problems aren’t that bad,” rather than offering genuine empathy. Younger generations appreciate wisdom from the past, but they also want acknowledgment that their challenges are real and valid.
3. “Climate Change Is A Hoax.”
For Millennials and Gen Z, climate change isn’t a debate—it’s a daily reality. With rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental crises becoming more common, younger generations are deeply invested in finding solutions. Hearing Boomers dismiss climate change as a hoax feels not only frustrating but also deeply concerning, given the long-term consequences. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that “Climate change is causing long-lasting changes to our climate system, which threatens life-sustaining systems, including water, energy, transportation, wildlife, agriculture, ecosystems, and human health.”
The generational divide often stems from differences in exposure to scientific information and environmental awareness. Younger generations grew up with clear evidence of climate change, making it harder to ignore. Dismissing their concerns as overblown or unfounded only adds to their frustration, especially when they’re the ones inheriting the consequences of environmental neglect.
4. “Your Generation Doesn’t Know Hard Work.”
This stereotype overlooks the reality of today’s workforce. Millennials and Gen Z are navigating a job market with higher competition, lower job security, and often longer hours than previous generations. Many juggle multiple jobs or side hustles just to make ends meet, all while dealing with student debt and rising living costs. Research from the Pew Research Center indicates that “Despite stereotypes, Gen Z and Millennials are entering a workforce with more competition, higher education costs, and greater economic uncertainty than previous generations.”
The perception that younger generations are lazy stems from differences in work culture and technology use. Remote work, gig jobs, and digital tools have reshaped how people work, but that doesn’t mean they’re working less. Dismissing their efforts as laziness ignores the adaptability and resilience required to thrive in today’s economy.
5. “Why Don’t You Just Call Instead Of Texting?”
While Boomers often prefer phone calls, younger generations lean toward texting for its convenience and flexibility. Texting allows people to communicate without interrupting their day, making it easier to stay in touch without the pressure of an immediate response. Plus, it’s often faster and more efficient for quick conversations.
The preference for texting isn’t about avoiding human connection—it’s about adapting to a faster-paced world. Millennials and Gen Z value clear, concise communication that fits into their busy schedules. Phone calls can feel intrusive or time-consuming, especially when a simple text would suffice. Understanding these differences helps bridge the communication gap between generations.
6. “Nobody Wants To Work For Anything Anymore.”
This phrase has become a go-to complaint, especially as younger generations push for better work-life balance and fair pay. But it misses the point: People still want to work—they just want jobs that respect their time, mental health, and financial needs. After witnessing burnout, stagnant wages, and job insecurity, Millennials and Gen Z are redefining what it means to have a successful career.
Instead of accepting the “hustle culture” of previous generations, younger workers are prioritizing their well-being. They value flexibility, remote work options, and jobs that align with their values. The desire for better working conditions doesn’t mean they’re lazy—it means they’re advocating for a more sustainable and fulfilling approach to work.
7. “You’re All Too Sensitive These Days.”
As conversations around mental health, social justice, and inclusivity have grown, so has the misconception that younger generations are overly sensitive. In reality, Millennials and Gen Z are simply more vocal about issues that previous generations often ignored. They prioritize empathy, emotional intelligence, and creating environments where people feel seen and heard.
Dismissing their concerns as sensitivity overlooks the progress they’ve made in breaking down stigmas and advocating for positive change. Younger generations aren’t afraid to speak up about injustice or advocate for their mental health—and that’s something to be celebrated, not criticized.
8. “We Didn’t Have Therapy, And We Turned Out Fine.”
While therapy might not have been as common in the past, that doesn’t mean it wasn’t needed. Millennials and Gen Z are leading the charge in breaking down the stigma around mental health, recognizing that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. They understand that addressing mental health is essential for overall well-being, both personally and professionally.
The belief that past generations “turned out fine” often ignores the unspoken struggles many people faced. By normalizing therapy and mental health care, younger generations are creating a culture where it’s okay to ask for help, paving the way for healthier, more fulfilling lives. Instead of dismissing this progress, supporting these efforts can help bridge the generational gap.
9. “You Should Stick With One Job And Be Grateful.”
Gone are the days of staying with one company for decades and retiring with a pension. Today’s job market is more competitive and less stable, making job-hopping a practical way to gain experience, increase income, and find better opportunities. Millennials and Gen Z value growth, flexibility, and work environments that align with their goals and values.
The idea that loyalty should trump personal growth no longer holds up in an era where companies frequently restructure, downsize, or shift priorities. Younger generations are simply adapting to the realities of today’s workforce, where career stability often comes from building diverse skills and experiences—not from staying in one place out of obligation.
10. “Social Media Is Ruining Your Generation.”
While social media has its downsides, it’s also a powerful tool for connection, education, and self-expression. Millennials and Gen Z have grown up with platforms that allow them to build communities, raise awareness, and stay informed about global issues. Blaming social media for all of society’s problems overlooks its benefits and the role it plays in modern life.
The key is balance. Younger generations are aware of the potential pitfalls of social media, from comparison culture to digital burnout. But dismissing an entire generation as “addicted to screens” ignores the ways they’ve used technology to foster creativity, activism, and meaningful relationships. Rather than criticizing their use of social media, supporting healthy digital habits can help bridge the generational divide.
11. “We Bought A House On One Salary In Our Twenties”
Homeownership looked very different a few decades ago. With lower home prices, fewer student loans, and higher purchasing power, many Boomers could buy homes on a single income. Today, skyrocketing property prices, stagnant wages, and rising living costs make that dream far less attainable—especially for Millennials and Gen Z.
Hearing this phrase can feel dismissive of the financial realities younger generations face. While hard work and budgeting are still essential, they can’t always overcome systemic challenges like inflated housing markets and student debt. Acknowledging these differences can help create more productive conversations about financial goals and generational shifts.
12. “You Need To Toughen Up.”
Resilience is important, but dismissing someone’s challenges as a lack of toughness overlooks the complexities of modern life. Millennials and Gen Z face unique stressors, from economic uncertainty and climate anxiety to the pressures of social media and constant connectivity. Telling them to “toughen up” minimizes these experiences and can discourage them from seeking the support they need.
Instead of promoting a “grin and bear it” mentality, younger generations prioritize emotional intelligence, self-care, and open communication. They understand that acknowledging their feelings doesn’t make them weak—it makes them more self-aware and better equipped to navigate life’s challenges. Encouraging resilience while also validating their experiences creates a more compassionate and supportive environment.
13. “Stop Relying On Technology So Much.”
Technology is an integral part of modern life, and Millennials and Gen Z have grown up using it to connect, learn, and work. From smartphones and social media to remote work and online education, technology has opened up new opportunities and transformed the way people live and interact. Suggesting that younger generations should rely less on technology overlooks its many benefits.
While it’s important to maintain a healthy balance, dismissing technology as a crutch ignores the ways it enhances productivity, creativity, and communication. Younger generations are simply using the tools available to them, adapting to a world where technology is essential for both personal and professional success.
14. “I Worked Through College And Had No Debt.”
College tuition has skyrocketed over the past few decades, making it nearly impossible to cover the cost of education with a part-time job. What used to be manageable with summer gigs and weekend shifts now requires student loans that can take decades to pay off. For Millennials and Gen Z, student debt is a major financial burden that impacts everything from homeownership to retirement savings.
Hearing that previous generations could graduate debt-free often feels like salt in the wound. The cost of higher education has far outpaced wage growth, making the comparison unfair. Acknowledging these financial realities can help bridge the gap between generations, fostering more understanding and empathy instead of judgment and frustration.
