Every generation has its own way of doing things, but it feels like none have caused as much debate as Gen Z.
From their approach to work and their communication style to their overall outlook on life, boomers in particular are often left confused by this group of young people — or straight-up fuming at them. While some of these differences are just natural changes that happen over time, others seem to really hit a nerve. These are just some of the things Gen Z does that seem to drive many boomers up the wall.
1. They refuse to live to work
For boomers, working hard and climbing the career ladder was the ultimate goal. Gen Z, on the other hand, prioritises work-life balance and isn’t afraid to say no to overtime or burnout culture. They believe jobs should fit into their lives, not the other way around. That mindset frustrates a lot of older people, who see it as a lack of dedication. To them, work is about sacrifice and proving yourself. But for Gen Z, mental health and personal time matter just as much as a pay cheque.
2. They job-hop without hesitation.
Staying loyal to one company for decades was once the norm. Many boomers built long careers with a single company, believing that loyalty would be rewarded. Gen Z, however, sees things differently and has no problem jumping ship if they find a better opportunity. To boomers, that looks like a lack of commitment, but young people see it as smart career management. They know salaries often increase faster when switching jobs, and they’re not afraid to move on if they feel undervalued.
3. They embrace casual everything.
From workplace attire to communication styles, Gen Z is all about keeping things casual. They don’t feel the need for overly formal emails, rigid dress codes, or old-school etiquette rules that seem outdated. To boomers, this can come across as unprofessional. They were raised in an era where formality was a sign of respect. But Gen Z sees no reason to stick to traditions that feel unnecessary, especially in an era where even CEOs wear hoodies.
4. They challenge authority without hesitation.
Questioning authority used to be risky, especially at work, but Gen Z has no issue calling out unfair policies, bad management, or outdated business practices. They expect transparency, fairness, and ethical leadership. For boomers, that can feel like insubordination. They grew up in a time when respecting authority was non-negotiable. But young people believe respect should be earned, not automatically given based on job titles or years of experience.
5. They don’t pick up the phone.
For boomers, calling someone on the phone is a normal, everyday way to communicate. This generation, however, avoids phone calls whenever possible, preferring to text, email, or use messaging apps instead. For older people, refusing to pick up the phone comes off as lazy or socially awkward, but Gen Z sees it as efficient. They prefer communication that allows them to think before responding, and don’t see the need for real-time conversations unless absolutely necessary.
6. They don’t see homeownership as a priority.
For many boomers, buying a home was a major life goal and a symbol of financial stability. However, thanks to skyrocketing house prices and stagnant wages, Gen Z isn’t as obsessed with getting on the property ladder. Some boomers view this as a lack of ambition, but Gen Z knows that the housing market isn’t what it used to be. Many are choosing to rent longer, prioritising flexibility over long-term financial commitments they may not be able to afford.
7. They prioritise mental health over “toughing it out.”
For boomers, pushing through struggles without complaint was often seen as a sign of strength. However, Gen Z openly talks about mental health, takes mental health days, and expects workplaces to accommodate emotional wellness. Their openness makes some older people uncomfortable, as they grew up in a time when therapy and self-care weren’t widely discussed. But for Gen Z, prioritising mental health isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
8. They cancel plans and never feel guilty about it.
Many boomers were raised with the idea that cancelling plans was rude unless there was a serious emergency, but Gen Z has no problem backing out of plans if they’re too tired, overwhelmed, or just not feeling up to it. This drives some boomers crazy. To them, a commitment is a commitment, but the younger generation believes that personal wellness comes first, and that plans shouldn’t feel like obligations.
9. They rely on technology for everything.
Whether it’s using GPS for every trip, ordering food through an app, or paying for everything with a phone, Gen Z depends on technology in ways that some boomers find excessive. For them, self-reliance meant memorising phone numbers, knowing how to read a map, and balancing a chequebook. Gen Z sees no reason to do these things manually when technology makes life easier.
10. They reject hustle culture.
For many boomers, working long hours and going the extra mile was the key to success. Gen Z, however, isn’t interested in working themselves into exhaustion just to prove their worth. That mindset frustrates some older people, who see it as a lack of dedication. However, younger people believe in working smarter, not harder, and setting boundaries to prevent burnout.
11. They’re not afraid to quit without a backup plan.
For boomers, quitting a job without having another one lined up was unthinkable. Gen Z, however, prioritises their mental and physical health over job security and will walk away from toxic workplaces without hesitation. Some boomers see this as reckless, but Gen Z knows that staying in a bad job just for the sake of stability isn’t worth the stress and unhappiness.
12. They call out outdated social norms.
Gen Z challenges old-school ideas about gender roles, beauty standards, and workplace expectations in ways that can make some boomers uncomfortable. They believe in inclusivity and fairness, even if it means disrupting long-standing traditions. For boomers, certain social norms are deeply ingrained, but Gen Z doesn’t hesitate to question things that don’t align with their values, even if it ruffles a few feathers.
13. They don’t automatically respect seniority.
Boomers were taught that older people, whether at work or in society, should be respected simply because of their age and experience. Gen Z doesn’t necessarily see it that way. They believe respect should be mutual and earned, not given automatically. This change in mindset can feel disrespectful to boomers who were raised to defer to authority figures, but for Gen Z, it’s about fairness and equality.
