Let Us Introduce You to Generation X. A generation that isn’t equally represented in the media compared to Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z. As a result, you might not immediately picture a “typical Gen Xer” in your mind. In fact, most Gen Xers we spoke to didn’t even know they were part of this generation.
Members of this generation were born between 1965 and 1980, following the Baby Boomers. Like every generation, they were shaped by the circumstances in which they grew up, which now influence their norms, values, and beliefs. Fortunately, apart from the obstacle of busy schedules, it’s not difficult to reach or speak with Gen Xers. We interviewed colleagues, friends, and unfamiliar Gen Xers to answer the question: “What defines Generation X?”
The name “Gen X” originates from the book Class: A Guide Through the American Status System (1983) by Paul Fussell. The “X” originally symbolized a group of people who rejected the pressures of wealth, status, and the established social order. The term was later popularized by Douglas Coupland’s book Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture. Other names that were suggested but didn’t stick include “Baby Busters” and “The Lost/ Forgotten Generation.”
Let’s start at the beginning and look at Gen X’s childhood. During the 1960s, more women—mothers included—entered the workforce. Dual-income households became more common, requiring children to become more independent. This is how the term “latchkey kids” came about, describing children who let themselves in after school. Many Gen Xers feel that this upbringing made them more self-reliant than other generations. Gen X was also the first generation to grow up with video games, which gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s.
The teenage and young adult years of a generation are crucial in shaping its character. For Gen X, this era spans the late 1970s through the early 1990s. Many Gen Xers identify with one of the numerous subcultures that emerged and thrived during this time. Baby Boomers introduced subcultures like hippies and artistic movements, which became both an inspiration and a counterpoint for Gen X subcultures. The 1980s saw the rise of hip-hop, new wave, goths, and punks. Punks, in particular, rebelled against the established social order in response to materialism and rising unemployment.
On the other hand, icons like Madonna had an enormous influence on pop culture. Women began dressing more boldly, wearing visible corsets and bustiers paired with bright red lipstick—a trend that later became known as “power dressing.”
“I was obsessed with Madonna and the Dolly Dots. If you didn’t have a spiked comb, you just didn’t belong. Hair always had to be teased and fixed with hairspray. Much to my mother’s annoyance, I had this side-swept bang over my eyes that I constantly had to blow away when it got in the way.” – Marianne (1968)
Despite the distinct subcultures and defining developments of the time, research shows that Gen X struggles to articulate what makes their generation unique. According to a Pew Research survey, 50% of Gen Xers believe their generation is unique. However, they struggled to reach a consensus on what exactly made them unique. For example, 12% attributed it to their use of technology, but this sentiment was much stronger among Millennials (24%). Many Gen Xers believe the lack of clear characteristics stems from the lack of media attention—a point we raised at the beginning of this article.
In a survey, we asked Gen Xers to describe their own generation based on what they already knew:
- “Honestly, not much. I think more about the differences in ages, the changing world, and generations. I don’t really pay attention to generational labels like X or Boomers. Also, I’ve noticed the birth years are different everywhere, and I wonder who came up with this terminology.” (1968)
- “Not much at all. I just looked it up and realized I’m one of them!” (1980)
- “I didn’t even know I was part of Generation X. That’s why it’s hard to describe their worldview. Maybe we grew up with both analog and digital technologies?” (1978)
- “Hmm, I honestly have no clear idea. I think we’re pretty strict, dutiful, and generally focused on building careers at multinationals rather than working as entrepreneurs (compared to younger generations).” (1968)
Let’s zoom in on an important aspect of a Gen Xer’s life: work. Entering the workforce wasn’t smooth sailing for Gen X. After the oil crisis of the 1970s, many Western countries faced an economic crisis in the 1980s, with rising energy prices and inflation. Jobs were scarce, and there was a fear that Gen Xers would fall behind in the long term. Fortunately, by the 1990s, the situation improved significantly.
This recovery and career-building period highlighted Gen X’s self-reliant nature. While they were seen as rebellious teenagers by older generations—labeled lazy and directionless—the opposite proved true in the workplace. Gen X is characterized by a strong work ethic, with the phrase “put up or shut up” fittingly describing their attitude. They’re willing to work 40+ hours per week but still value work-life balance.
“Since the pandemic, my work-life balance has improved a lot. I sometimes see working from home as a gift, whereas younger generations take it for granted. I still work 40 hours, but I’ve always told myself that by the time I’m 50, I’ll have earned the right to scale down to 36 or 32 hours.” – Maarten (1980)
“Our work ethic is definitely a defining trait for Gen X. We take the work we do seriously and show strong commitment. For a long time, I worked 60-hour weeks, but over time, it became more important to make room to be at home with the kids.” – Floris (1979)
This work ethic appears to be a defining trait for Gen X. But how do they view new developments—both at work and beyond—regarding Millennials and Gen Z? It’s clear that younger generations have different ideas about maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Various studies compare Gen X to the broader population to uncover where they deviate from the average. In terms of behavior, they shop online just as often, dine out with the same frequency, and vacation just as much as other generations. According to generational experts, it’s precisely this “average behavior” that defines Gen X and makes them less appealing to the media. The differences lie not so much in their actions but in the values that drive them.
Gen X is the first generation where, in many cases, both parents worked. This “latchkey kid” upbringing fostered independence early on, which later evolved into a strong desire for autonomy in both personal and professional life. Unlike their predecessors—Boomers and the Silent Generation—who were accustomed to hierarchical structures, Gen X thrives in environments where they can make their own decisions. They’re less intimidated by independence and responsibility at work than younger Millennials and Gen Zers. It’s no surprise that a significant portion of world leaders are Gen Xers. In a study by DDI, 51% of 25,000 leadership roles were held by Gen Xers. Did you know the average age for a new CEO is 53?
What Makes Gen Xers Great Leaders?
Gen X is often referred to as “the pragmatic generation.” They are described as hands-on problem-solvers who approach situations rationally and seek logical, practical solutions. According to Dr. Lisa Chang, this is a quality that younger Millennials and Gen Z colleagues value immensely. They recognize that Gen Xers are excellent mentors who bring structure and calm to the workplace. Additionally, Gen Xers communicate more directly than younger generations, often with subtext or a cynically humorous tone. A great example of this is the difference in email signatures: while Gen Z opts for funny and personal, Gen X tends to stick to formal and straightforward.
Tip: If you ever face generational miscommunication at work, try metacommunication—talking about how you communicate. Doing this can help you quickly identify issues and improve understanding.
In the eyes of others, Gen X is a pragmatic generation focused on productivity. Interestingly, our survey revealed a different value dynamic. When asked to rank values from most to least important, efficiency and productivity scored low, while family, happiness, and freedom topped the list. Gen X is often viewed through a professional lens, but this rarely captures the full picture of their lives and guiding values.
To return to the start of this article: statistically speaking, Gen X leads a relatively “average” lifestyle. This has both drawbacks and benefits. On the downside, it’s unfortunate that Gen X doesn’t receive much media attention due to a perceived lack of sensational content. On the upside, their unique position and ability to mediate between generations allow them to help shape a future that works for everyone.
So, Gen Xers, show us what you’re made of. And for the rest of you, give Gen Xers their moment in the spotlight.
Author: Luuk Huijsmans