There are so few media articles that explicitly discuss GenX experiences that it’s worth highlighting each one. GenX is bang in the middle of the Ecotopian Careers demographic, and this well-referenced article highlights many of the themes that no doubt give cause for concern for many as they consider a midlife transition to a green job.
Further still, it could be that GenX has played a greater role than we might imagine in the mass acceptance of more meaningful, greener jobs, as the slacker archetype really laid a foundation for rejecting the superficial and unnecessary.
If you haven’t heard much about Gen X, it’s because they’re known as “the forgotten generation.”
Born between 1965 and 1980, Gen X has fallen to the wayside of the media darlings they’re bookended by — millennials and baby boomers. But Gen Xers are part of a resilient generation that’s expected to outnumber boomers in 2028.
They came of age as “latchkey kids” and, as adults, experienced three recessions and a technological transformation from the dot-com boom to social media. Now turning ages 41 to 56 this year, America’s “middle child” is in the middle of it all — mid-age and mid-career, juggling jobs with taking care of both children and aging parents.
This life stage means that Gen X is in their prime working and earning years, with the typical Gen X-led household earning more than any other generation. But it also means a lot of stress. It’s a prime time for buying big ticket items, like cars and houses, and with larger than average households, Gen X spends the most on consumer goods and services. It’s left them juggling more debt than other generations and unprepared for retirement.
Because of how they grew up and their midlife commitments, most Xers feel confident in their ability to withstand crises and in their desire for a stable life.
Here’s what life looks like for the typical Xer. Read the full article on Business Insider.