In workplaces where Gen Z now outnumbers the titos and titas, tuning in to a new generational rhythm is key. Otherwise, we risk sounding out of touch. The stories Gen X tells—about diskarte, ideals, and climbing the ladder—don’t always land like they used to. Gen Z isn’t less ambitious; they’re just shaped by a different world. To connect, we can’t just talk—we need to listen, too.
In one corner: Gen X—the mixtape generation. Street smart, resourceful, raised on landlines and “Bahala na si Batman.”In the other: Gen Z—digitally fluent, emotionally aware, and fluent in memes, mental health talk, and boundaries (with receipts).
They might seem worlds apart, but beneath the banter is a surprising synergy.
How Gen Z Sees Gen X (Spoiler: It’s Complicated)
Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z grew up with social media, climate anxiety, and cultural flux. They’re tech-native, emotionally articulate, and unafraid to demand change.
They see Gen X (1965–1980) as cool, independent, and underrated. There’s respect for surviving—and adapting to—the internet. Gen X shaped pop culture and early digital life. But sometimes, they also seem distant. Too quiet. Especially on things Gen Z speaks up about: mental health, identity, social justice.
Still, Gen X isn’t the enemy. Unlike Boomers, they’re seen as flexible, skeptical of the system, and quietly rebellious. They were the first to challenge the 9-to-5 grind and normalize burnout talk—paving the way for the frankness Gen Z brings.
Gen Z doesn’t want Gen X to be like them. They just want them to show up.
A Gen Z POV:
“Honestly, I think Gen X is kind of underrated. They’re chill, independent, and don’t need constant validation like some people. I respect how they just figured life out without Google or social media. But sometimes it feels like they’re just… watching from the sidelines. The world’s burning, and they’re like, ‘Eh, we’ve seen worse.’
I don’t think they’re bad—just tired. And maybe that’s fair. But I wish they’d speak up more, be louder with us. We need that middle-gen energy. Not silent approval—actual backup.”
— Jules, 23, freelance creative
So what can they learn from each other?
1. Gen X can learn: It’s okay to talk about your feelings.
Gen X swallowed emotions with coffee. Gen Z shares their therapy notes over lunch—and weirdly, it works.
One dad said his daughter once asked, “How’s your emotional bandwidth today?” He didn’t get it—but it made him pause, and admit: “I’m just tired.”
Lesson: Vulnerability isn’t weakness. Start with, “I’m not okay today.”
2. Gen Z can learn: Not every bad mood needs a label.
Not every funk is trauma. Gen X can teach how to sit with discomfort—without the hashtags.
Lesson: Feel it. Don’t overthink it. You’ll be okay.
3. Gen X can learn: You don’t need to answer emails at 10 PM.
Gen Z logs off. They mute. They rest—on purpose.
Lesson: Rest isn’t a reward. It’s a right.
4. Gen Z can learn: Not everything needs to be content.
Some moments don’t need a caption—they need your full presence.
At his Lola’s birthday, one Gen Z kid kept filming. Later, his dad said, “She was looking at your eyes, not your phone.” That hit.
Lesson: Be in the moment. Not just the post.
5. Gen X can teach: Street smarts still matter.
Diskarte isn’t dead. Not everything needs a tutorial.
Lesson: Confidence and common sense go a long way.
6. Gen Z can teach: Growth is a lifestyle.
They pivot, restart, reinvent. They’re not afraid to try again.
Lesson: Reinvention isn’t failure. It’s forward motion.
7. Gen X can teach: Humor will save you.
They laughed through it all—sarcasm, tita jokes, and dark humor.
Lesson: When in doubt, laugh. It helps.
8. Gen Z can teach: Community is everything.
Group chats. Safe spaces. “You good?” check-ins.
Lesson: You’re not meant to carry everything. Find your people.
Final Word: The Real Glow-Up Happens Together
Gen Z is the emotional compass. Gen X is the anchor. One feels everything. The other holds it down. One wants to heal the world. The other never had the chance.
Together, they balance. They teach. They show up—not perfectly, but more humanely. We don’t need to vibe the same way. We just need to vibe better—together.
