Let's not forget the most egregious changes Gen X has had to deal with: Replacing our records with tapes, then tapes with CD's, then CD's with MP3's, and now we still have to pay for a subscription to listen to our music.
One thing to remember is that generation was subjected to a constant alarm bell about Social Security. And some of it was highly cynical as in 1990s, rules existed that effectively limited the 401(k) contributions of highly compensated employees-management, based on the participation and contribution rates of essentially hourly workers. This was never told to me and in my 20s I couldn't understand the arm twisting to contribute and the constant warning that, "you know Social Security won't be there when you retire." I'm not saying there isn't value in investing in a 401 K, but to position it this way, was an undermining of the concept of the social safety net, that remains with us today.
Hmm, I have to make one exception to your first point. So many of this generation have spent the last decades becoming adept or expert at IT stuff which is becoming outdated faster than they can learn new technologies. Both my children fall into that category and in their mid 50's, They are not really hirable with the AI competition now making them obsolete. Blue
Well I am retired at 62. I have lots of stuff to do still, but none of it is to work at a job for someone else or to run a business to make money. So yeah, retired. (Oops I’m 63 now.)
Let's not forget the most egregious changes Gen X has had to deal with: Replacing our records with tapes, then tapes with CD's, then CD's with MP3's, and now we still have to pay for a subscription to listen to our music.
https://www.reddit.com/r/SipsTea/comments/1eo9tjs/gen_xs_anger/
So true. How many times do I have to buy the same music lol
So true. I don’t understand why governments are wailing about the cost of pensions yet doing nothing about age discrimination in the workplace.
If older people worked longer, they’d still pay taxes to support pensions.
Given that isn’t happening, we are all starting our own businesses.
This resonated with me so much. Looking forward to more.
Thanks for including me in your piece, Brian! You've nailed exactly why this moment is Gex X's time to lead. We're exactly what the future needs.
I'm looking forward to the Expertise deep dive in Further Premium!
That squeeze is real. Being that I'm a Gen X, building my Quiet Business Engine is crucial.
One thing to remember is that generation was subjected to a constant alarm bell about Social Security. And some of it was highly cynical as in 1990s, rules existed that effectively limited the 401(k) contributions of highly compensated employees-management, based on the participation and contribution rates of essentially hourly workers. This was never told to me and in my 20s I couldn't understand the arm twisting to contribute and the constant warning that, "you know Social Security won't be there when you retire." I'm not saying there isn't value in investing in a 401 K, but to position it this way, was an undermining of the concept of the social safety net, that remains with us today.
Great post, thank you!
Hmm, I have to make one exception to your first point. So many of this generation have spent the last decades becoming adept or expert at IT stuff which is becoming outdated faster than they can learn new technologies. Both my children fall into that category and in their mid 50's, They are not really hirable with the AI competition now making them obsolete. Blue
Well I am retired at 62. I have lots of stuff to do still, but none of it is to work at a job for someone else or to run a business to make money. So yeah, retired. (Oops I’m 63 now.)