Lisa O
Every generation has its struggles, but let’s be honest—Boomers (born 1946–1964) had it a bit easier in some ways. Millennials (born 1981–1996) have grown up in a completely different world, full of new pressures Boomers never even had to think about. Here are 10 things Millennials worry about that Boomers never lost sleep over.
Crushing Student Loan Debt
Back in the day, Boomers could pay for college with a part-time job and graduate without drowning in debt. Millennials, on the other hand, are stuck with student debts that can take years (even decades) to pay off. With tuition costs skyrocketing by over 1,000% since the ’70s, going to college now feels more like a financial gamble than a guaranteed ticket to success.
Homeownership Feeling Like a Fantasy
Boomers bought houses for prices that seem like a typo today. A nice home in the suburbs could cost $30,000 in the ’70s—now, Millennials are lucky if they can find a down payment for that price. Between stagnant wages and rising property costs, owning a home feels out of reach for many Millennials, who are stuck renting indefinitely.
The Gig Economy and Job Instability
Boomers walked into jobs that actually stuck around—steady pay, solid pensions, and the idea that you could retire comfortably after a few decades in the same company. Millennials? They’re out here juggling three side hustles, chasing short-term contracts, and praying their job doesn’t vanish overnight. Job security isn’t a thing anymore—it’s just a fancy way of saying, “Hope you don’t get laid off next quarter.”
The 24/7 Digital Overload
Boomers never had to worry about checking emails at midnight, responding to texts instantly, or maintaining a social media presence. Millennials, on the other hand, live in an always-on culture where work, friends, and family are constantly pinging them. “Unplugging” isn’t just hard—it feels impossible. Technology advancement means more work for you, even when you’re not in the office.
Social Media Pressure and Comparison Culture
Boomers didn’t grow up with Instagram filters, which made them feel like their vacation wasn’t good enough or their skin wasn’t flawless enough. Millennials are constantly bombarded with curated, picture-perfect lives online, making it easy to feel like they’re falling behind—even when they’re doing just fine.
Climate Change Anxiety
Boomers grew up in a time when the biggest environmental concern was whether you’d get your hands dirty playing outside. Millennials, on the other hand, are dealing with record-breaking heat waves, wildfires, and rising sea levels. They’re not just worried about their future—they’re worried about whether Earth itself is going to be livable in a few decades.
Healthcare Costs That Feel Like a Scam
Boomers could see a doctor without worrying about medical bankruptcy. Millennials? They’re putting off doctor’s visits, skipping prescriptions, and crowdfunding their medical bills. Even with insurance, the cost of healthcare is so high that getting sick feels like a financial risk. The price of one paracetamol gives a mini heart attack to most people.
The Pressure to Have a “Side Hustle”
For Boomers, one full-time job was usually enough to support a family and buy a home. Millennials, on the other hand, are constantly told they need a side hustle—whether it’s freelancing, content creation, or selling things online—just to afford basic expenses. The idea of working one job and calling it a day? That’s a luxury now.
Delayed Milestones and “Failure to Launch” Guilt
By 25, most Boomers were married, owned homes, and had kids. Millennials at 25? Many are still living with their parents, drowning in debt, and putting off marriage and kids because they simply can’t afford it. Society tells them they should have it all figured out by now, but the reality is the game has changed.
Online Privacy and Cybersecurity Risks
Boomers never had to worry about identity theft because someone clicked a sketchy email link. Millennials, however, live in a world where data breaches, hacking, and social media tracking are constant threats. Protecting personal information is a full-time job, and one wrong click can mean stolen passwords, drained bank accounts, or worse.