Each generation has its own values, shaped by the time they grew up in.
For boomers, certain beliefs and traditions were seen as the foundation of a successful life. But to Gen Z and younger generations, many of these values just don’t hold the same importance anymore. The world has changed, and so have priorities. While some boomer values still hold up, others feel outdated or irrelevant to younger people navigating a completely different reality. These are just a few of the things that don’t matter as much to young people these days.
1. The idea that owning a home is the ultimate life goal
For boomers, buying a house was seen as a crucial milestone—a sign of stability, financial success, and adulthood. Owning property was an expectation, not just a dream. However, for Gen Z, the housing market is completely different. With skyrocketing prices, stagnant wages, and a cost of living crisis, homeownership feels like it’s never going to happen. Renting isn’t just a temporary phase; it’s a long-term reality, and younger generations are more focused on flexibility and financial survival than chasing a white-picket-fence dream.
2. Staying loyal to one company for decades
Boomers often valued job stability above all else, staying with the same employer for decades and working their way up the ladder. Loyalty to a company was seen as a sign of dedication and success.
Gen Z, however, isn’t interested in climbing a corporate ladder that no longer guarantees security. They prioritise work-life balance, mental health, and job satisfaction. If a workplace isn’t fulfilling or paying fairly, they’ll leave—no guilt attached. Job-hopping isn’t seen as reckless; it’s seen as necessary for better opportunities.
3. The belief that university is always worth it
For boomers, getting a degree was the golden ticket to a good job and a secure future. Higher education was an investment that almost always paid off.
But Gen Z is growing up in a world where student debt is crushing, and a degree doesn’t guarantee a high-paying job. Many are opting for alternative paths—freelancing, trade schools, online courses, or skipping uni altogether in favour of building skills that actually lead to financial stability.
4. The need to “dress appropriately” for every situation
Boomers grew up in a time when dressing formally was a sign of respect. Wearing a suit to work, dressing up for travel, or following strict dress codes was the norm.
Gen Z doesn’t see the point. Comfort and self-expression matter more than outdated rules about what’s “appropriate.” Whether it’s wearing trainers to the office or showing up to a wedding in something unconventional, younger generations care less about following dress codes and more about feeling like themselves.
5. Working long hours as a sign of success
For boomers, putting in extra hours was seen as dedication. Hustling, sacrificing personal time, and “paying your dues” were all part of proving your worth in the workplace.
Gen Z sees it differently. They prioritise mental health, setting boundaries, and finding work-life balance. Success isn’t about who works the most hours; it’s about creating a life that isn’t centred entirely around work.
6. Writing cheques and handling everything in person
Many boomers still swear by paper banking, whether it’s writing cheques, visiting the bank in person, or paying bills through the mail. Handling finances this way was a sign of responsibility.
Gen Z, on the other hand, lives in a digital world. Online banking, payment apps, and instant transfers have made cheques feel outdated. If something can’t be done online, it feels unnecessarily complicated.
7. Home-cooked meals being a daily necessity
Cooking at home was once a standard expectation. Boomers valued homemade meals as a sign of good household management, often seeing fast food or convenience meals as lazy.
For younger generations, cooking is optional. With busy schedules, rising grocery costs, and food delivery apps, convenience often wins. Gen Z enjoys cooking when it’s fun, but they don’t feel pressure to make a home-cooked meal every single night.
8. The importance of getting married young
For boomers, getting married in their early 20s was expected. Settling down young was seen as a necessary step toward a stable future, and it was a major life goal for most of them.
Gen Z isn’t rushing. Many are waiting until their late 20s or 30s—or skipping marriage altogether. Relationships today are based more on personal choice than societal expectations, and people are prioritising their careers, mental health, and personal growth before committing to lifelong partnerships.
9. Sticking to traditional gender roles
Boomers grew up in a time when men were expected to be providers, and women were expected to focus on homemaking. Even if these roles shifted over time, the idea of distinct gender roles was still strong.
Gen Z has largely rejected this. They believe in equality, shared responsibilities, and breaking gender norms. Whether it’s men being stay-at-home dads or women leading companies, younger generations see gender roles as outdated and unnecessary.
10. Buying fancy china and formal dining sets
Many boomers took pride in having a formal dining room, complete with fine china, crystal glasses, and cutlery reserved for special occasions. They still pull them out today when hosting people in their homes.
Gen Z doesn’t see the point. Most don’t have space for formal dinnerware, and they prefer casual, functional items over things that just sit in a cabinet collecting dust. Special occasions don’t require fancy plates—they’re about the experience, not the table setting.
11. The need to own a car
For boomers, owning a car was a milestone of independence. Public transport was seen as something you used until you could afford your own vehicle. As soon as you could afford one, you got one.
But Gen Z, especially in cities, doesn’t see car ownership as essential. With the rise of ride-sharing, public transport, and remote work, many young people prefer to avoid the costs of car payments, insurance, and maintenance altogether.
12. Cursive handwriting being a necessary skill
For boomers, cursive was drilled into them as an essential skill. It was seen as a sign of proper education and professionalism.
Gen Z? They barely use handwriting at all. With digital communication dominating everything from school to work, cursive is more of a novelty than a necessity. If they can type it faster, that’s what they’ll do.
13. The belief that you must “pull yourself up by your bootstraps”
Boomers were raised with the idea that hard work alone guarantees success. Struggles weren’t meant to be talked about—just overcome.
Gen Z knows that the system is more complicated than that. They’re more open about mental health, economic inequality, and the challenges of modern life. Hard work is important, but so is acknowledging systemic barriers and advocating for change.
