Excellent analysis, Jonathan—you've captured something important here. I'm probably the exception that proves the rule, though. I've been self-employed my entire career because I never wanted to be another cog in the corporate machine. I suspect many Gen Xers share this entrepreneurial mindset.
We learned early to create our own opportunities rather than wait for someone to hand them to us. Even as a kid, instead of asking for allowance, I was charging tourists for pony rides in our small town. That DIY mentality shaped how we approach work—we'd rather build something ourselves than climb someone else's ladder.
Maybe that's part of why we're being overlooked for these CEO positions. We've been busy creating our own companies instead of playing the corporate advancement game. The irony is that the same independent streak that makes us natural entrepreneurs might be exactly what these corporations need in leadership.
Agreed. I’ve been self-employed for the majority of my career because I have no interest in corporate climbing.
One thing the post missed is the fact that, although getting older, Gen X is very comfortable with technology. We took care of it for our parents and explained it to our kids.
Well, I guess anything said about certain generations are generalizations. But, I do agree with you that Gen X is probably the most adaptable generation because of when technology came about in our lifetimes. I had one of the first home computers, and wrote novels on Wordstar, saved to floppy discs. And now at the age of 59, I am embracing AI for various tasks that help me expedite my writing process. (Oh, and yes… I sure do remember, trying to walk my mom and dad through the simple process of emailing! Then again, my grandma, born in 1915, took to email with no problems.)
Great analysis, Jonathan! This part really resonated with me: GenX doesn’t panic. I’ve gotten this feedback throughout my career from supervisors of all ages and stages; I don’t panic. I’m not surprised the corporate sector demonstrates ageism; I saw that in my corporate life. Having recently pivoted into education—and loving it—I’m hugely appreciative of the more open mindset education has towards hiring and career advancement.
Nobody has a right to these roles. Boomers are working because they 1) can’t afford not to or 2) they are still active, experienced, knowledgeable and interested in contributing. Age discrimination is not ok, regardless of stereotypes and some sense of entitlement that decides it is time to put someone out to pasture. Those who feel entitled should start their own company.
I just retired from teaching after 30 years, and am now in a position where I can work cause I want to, not necessarily cause I have to.
However, I'm applying for jobs for the first time in decades, and I'm getting nervous. I know when the companies see 53 as my age, it's going to give them pause.
I want to add somehow, I'm not one of THOSE 53 year olds. I still got it, bud!
Gigantic generalization without a shred of evidence to back it up: didn’t a lot of our silent generation parents endure the same fate?
The United States went from WW2 veteran Poppy Bush to classic boomer Clinton. My memory from the early-90’s to early aughts is of lots of silent generation folks getting pushed out and passed over.
50 y/o proud Gen X here. 30 years of corporate and agency marketing background. Basically, get out. Start something yourself. We’ve got the generation smarts. And the best tunes.
Well, considering that most of us have cashed out a 401 (k) plan or two (3 for me!) and have no solid retirement income, we are screwed.
After a decade of corp ladder climbing in the late 80s/90s for BofA - the crash of '97 decimated the real estate department. Six months of no work = cash out retirement plan #1
A decade of C-Suite at a world-class institute ended up outsourced and laid off- cash out #2 plan
Then nearly a decade of sales climbing those rungs, only to have Covid cash out #3
I now own my own real estate insurance inspection business and have never been happier.
I have been wealthier, but not happier.
divorce may color that opinion, tho
glad i stumbled upon Stack
I have a whole section on Compass Star Wordsmith talking about Gen-X
They don't want us in the c-suite bc we've spent our lives being really good at damage control when boomers and millennials eff things up.
True that
Excellent analysis, Jonathan—you've captured something important here. I'm probably the exception that proves the rule, though. I've been self-employed my entire career because I never wanted to be another cog in the corporate machine. I suspect many Gen Xers share this entrepreneurial mindset.
We learned early to create our own opportunities rather than wait for someone to hand them to us. Even as a kid, instead of asking for allowance, I was charging tourists for pony rides in our small town. That DIY mentality shaped how we approach work—we'd rather build something ourselves than climb someone else's ladder.
Maybe that's part of why we're being overlooked for these CEO positions. We've been busy creating our own companies instead of playing the corporate advancement game. The irony is that the same independent streak that makes us natural entrepreneurs might be exactly what these corporations need in leadership.
I love your take. I've been working for myself for the first time and while it can be stressful and uncertain, it's the freest I've ever felt.
Yes, it's truly wonderful... and, at times, nerve-racking! Welcome to the world of the self-employed.
Agreed. I’ve been self-employed for the majority of my career because I have no interest in corporate climbing.
One thing the post missed is the fact that, although getting older, Gen X is very comfortable with technology. We took care of it for our parents and explained it to our kids.
Well, I guess anything said about certain generations are generalizations. But, I do agree with you that Gen X is probably the most adaptable generation because of when technology came about in our lifetimes. I had one of the first home computers, and wrote novels on Wordstar, saved to floppy discs. And now at the age of 59, I am embracing AI for various tasks that help me expedite my writing process. (Oh, and yes… I sure do remember, trying to walk my mom and dad through the simple process of emailing! Then again, my grandma, born in 1915, took to email with no problems.)
Wordstar!
Man oh man that article in the WSJ makes me so mad! But it's so classic, always putting Baby in a corner.
Great analysis, Jonathan! This part really resonated with me: GenX doesn’t panic. I’ve gotten this feedback throughout my career from supervisors of all ages and stages; I don’t panic. I’m not surprised the corporate sector demonstrates ageism; I saw that in my corporate life. Having recently pivoted into education—and loving it—I’m hugely appreciative of the more open mindset education has towards hiring and career advancement.
We need more teachers like you
Never trust anyone named Callum.
Haha. Precious
Nobody has a right to these roles. Boomers are working because they 1) can’t afford not to or 2) they are still active, experienced, knowledgeable and interested in contributing. Age discrimination is not ok, regardless of stereotypes and some sense of entitlement that decides it is time to put someone out to pasture. Those who feel entitled should start their own company.
I just retired from teaching after 30 years, and am now in a position where I can work cause I want to, not necessarily cause I have to.
However, I'm applying for jobs for the first time in decades, and I'm getting nervous. I know when the companies see 53 as my age, it's going to give them pause.
I want to add somehow, I'm not one of THOSE 53 year olds. I still got it, bud!
Ageism is real. Thank you for teaching all those years!
Gigantic generalization without a shred of evidence to back it up: didn’t a lot of our silent generation parents endure the same fate?
The United States went from WW2 veteran Poppy Bush to classic boomer Clinton. My memory from the early-90’s to early aughts is of lots of silent generation folks getting pushed out and passed over.
50 y/o proud Gen X here. 30 years of corporate and agency marketing background. Basically, get out. Start something yourself. We’ve got the generation smarts. And the best tunes.
Double dipping.... it's not reasonable that about 5 x billionaires are actively wrecking it society, and the rest of Gen x specifically.
Well, considering that most of us have cashed out a 401 (k) plan or two (3 for me!) and have no solid retirement income, we are screwed.
After a decade of corp ladder climbing in the late 80s/90s for BofA - the crash of '97 decimated the real estate department. Six months of no work = cash out retirement plan #1
A decade of C-Suite at a world-class institute ended up outsourced and laid off- cash out #2 plan
Then nearly a decade of sales climbing those rungs, only to have Covid cash out #3
I now own my own real estate insurance inspection business and have never been happier.
I have been wealthier, but not happier.
divorce may color that opinion, tho
glad i stumbled upon Stack
I have a whole section on Compass Star Wordsmith talking about Gen-X
The main problem here is X waiting patiently and compliantly, against any reason or fact BTW… except for “compliance.”
We “comply” so we are consumed and discarded.
The Millennials as typecast and as they conform to their Tropes aren’t intrinsically formidable.
Or exactly, if they’re being the spoiled 💩 their typecast to be and they conform they’re useless and weak.
Then again the Boomers were never impressive either, so that’s on “us.”
Our sin is informed compliance with evil, and a gutless shirking stupid and venal Evil is was…
Which says too much about us “X” groups.
It’s the price we pay for not fighting, and I don’t mean talking or lawsuits.
Or law abiding.
We’re not too old, and the least we can do for the younger men is clear the way.
Woohoo. Well put.
“Don’t require hand-holding”, used as a backhanded compliment? That should be a prerequisite, amiright?!
In this position now and have accepted the fact. Too old to hire, too young to retire. Sigh.