Every generation has its quirks, things they swear by, defend with passion, and insist are the right way to do life. Boomers had their china cabinets, office loyalty, and their unshakable belief that showing up early is a virtue. But as times changed, so did our sense of balance, priorities, and even manners.
Younger generations aren’t rebelling as much as they’re rewriting the script, trading exhaustion for rest, rituals for realism, and someday joy for right now. Here’s a friendly look at some of those classic Boomer habits that make absolutely zero sense to the modern mindset (but still make for great family debates).
Wrong kind of heroism
Boomers love to brag about their “never took a sick day” streaks like they were badges of honour. Calling in sick was once seen as weakness, even if you were coughing like a character in a Victorian novel.
“My grandparents proudly mentioned that they worked while they were ill. Because they were not introduced to work-life balance, and they expect the same from us,” says Gen Z Amisha Sharma. But young people see that kind of “grind culture” differently. After the pandemic, coming to work while contagious isn’t dedication, it’s dangerous. Taking a day off to recover isn’t lazy anymore, it’s considered respectful to yourself and your coworkers. After all, what’s the point of hustling if you’re spreading germs along the way?
Good plates that no one uses
If you grew up in a Boomer household, chances are there was a cabinet filled with delicate dishes you were forbidden to touch. The fancy dinner sets were for special occasions, which somehow never arrived. The result? A lifetime of eating dinner off scratched melamine while perfectly good porcelain gathered dust.
Younger generations are flipping that logic upside down. Life itself is a special occasion. The idea of saving joy for some distant future feels outdated. So if it’s a Wednesday and you want to eat takeout on the fancy plates, go for it. The new rule? Don’t wait to celebrate, you are the reason to use the nice stuff.
Degrees don’t define you anymore
For many Boomers, success had one roadmap, earn a degree, get a steady job, and stay loyal until retirement. Education was the ultimate proof of worth and stability.
“But today’s world runs on flexibility and skills, not just framed diplomas. Thanks to online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and even YouTube tutorials, learning has become a lifelong, on-demand habit,” shares Divya Singh. Millennials and Gen Z see self-learning as just as valuable as formal education. Building a business, mastering a craft, or growing a personal brand can all happen outside of classrooms. The goal isn’t just to study hard, it’s to learn smart.
Inappropriate comments
Boomers often mean well when they say, ‘You’ve gained weight!’ but for many younger people, that comment lands awkwardly. Complimenting someone’s appearance, especially their size, can feel outdated and invasive.
Younger generations have grown up surrounded by body positivity and mental health awareness. They prefer compliments that acknowledge energy, personality, or achievements. So instead of ‘You look like this or that,’ try ‘You look happy, what’s new?’ One sparks a smile, the other starts a real conversation.
Always early, never relaxed
If punctuality were an Olympic event, Boomers would sweep the medals. They live by the motto ‘better three hours early than one minute late.’
“This happens with me a lot whenever we travel. If we have a train at 5 p.m., my grandpa will make us leave home around 2 p.m. even though the station is just 30 minutes away,” laughs Nandni Mandal. Sure, being on time is a good thing. But Gen Z travelers prefer calm over panic. The idea of waiting restlessly at a platform for hours feels unnecessary. Sometimes, leaving just on time is perfectly fine and a lot more peaceful.
Owning a home
For Boomers, buying a house was the ultimate goal. It meant security, success, and adulthood, the final stamp of ‘you’ve made it.’
But for many Millennials and Gen Zers, that dream feels out of reach or simply less relevant. With rising prices, student loans, and flexible jobs, homeownership isn’t the only definition of stability anymore. Younger generations value freedom, the ability to travel, rent in different cities, or invest in experiences rather than 30 years of debt. The dream hasn’t died, it’s just evolved. Success now looks more like happiness than home equity.
Cash over clicks
When it comes to money, Boomers trust what they can hold, physical cash, passbooks, and paper receipts. Many still side-eye online payments and think the share market sounds like a scam cooked up by teenagers.
But the financial world has gone digital, and younger generations have embraced it. From instant transfers and budgeting apps to investing online, they’re comfortable managing money in motion. For Boomers, this can seem risky. For the younger crowd, it’s just how life works now. The biggest difference? Boomers equate caution with safety, younger generations equate adaptability with intelligence. Both are right, just in different decades.
Different times, same heart
When you zoom out, none of these habits are wrong. They just tell the story of two eras built on completely different challenges. Boomers grew up in a world that valued endurance, discipline, and saving for tomorrow. Millennials and Gen Z live in one that celebrates balance, boundaries, and living fully in the present.
We might tease our parents for their china cabinets and early departures, but deep down, their habits come from care, from wanting things done right. And ours come from wanting to live right now. So here’s to blending the best of both, the Boomer discipline with the Gen Z ease, the hard work with the heart work. And maybe, just maybe, using the fancy plates for breakfast.
