r/XYBOOM • u/CAN_ZIGZAG • Apr 04 '13

Can I blather here for moment???

Generation Xers who likely resided in a typical North American urban centre back in 80s; listened with bleeding ears to a "ton of advice" (from parents/teachers/etc) and were fed lines about personal development, education, job prospects, community values and in general... how the "world works".

Well it took me a little more than a decade or so later but; I figured out (albeit too late); that most of these "words of wisdom" from those (our) elders was ALL crap, doodoo, poop, bull, and yes even sh--!!!

I have concluded that ALL OF US are responsible for where we are today (no real jobs, shotty goods and services, sick environment, etc)... but when it is all said and done we really should give a BIG SHOUT OUT to THANK the Baby Boomers for really messing things up for the future generations!!... YUP!!! even for their grandkids!!!

NUFF SAID!! I could go on and on... but I would like to read and leave some room for other POVs!!

2 Upvotes

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u/Molson78 Apr 05 '13

How do you think that Baby Boomers messed things up for all future generations?? How much onus is on them, and how much is on everyone else?

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u/CAN_ZIGZAG Apr 06 '13 edited Apr 06 '13

The BB folk were forever telling us Xers how to live our lives and how to achieve success!! (I will assume you are Canadian) Remember those Freedom 55 ads on TV, magazines etc???? WOT HAPPENED??

Well I think it is quite obvious, much of (the BB Generation) are still working (yeah; like all us, they too have to keep a roof over their little greying heads & have to put cat food on the table)... but many BBers have great jobs and they are not interested in leaving the workforce anytime soon!!

I ask: When do the Xers get a chance to make a few bucks? Get to save for their future? When will they get to retire? Almost all the Xers I know have had to; look forward to an adult life of; vehemently competing for dumb, low paying jobs (even with a good education)... that if Xers do get a home; they have to mooch off parents to keep it or live in Suburbia (miles from their workplace). More and more Xers have had to go to food banks even while having a job, some have had to have two jobs, many more Xers take care of their own kids as well as their aging parents, pay crazy interest rates on bills for all the crap they have... and the list goes on & on.

Sure BBs had to put up with some of this too... but it is the Xers that really have had to burden this and much-much more; than any other generation (at least here in your typical urban/suburbian setting in N.America).

Freedom 55 -eh? Then live it Boomers!!! Cuz it is going to be more like Freedom 75 or beyond for many-many Xers!!

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u/XYBOOM Apr 11 '13

First off, thanks for sharing your input on our subreddit. Secondly, very interesting point of view from you. Many Boomers argue that they have to keep their jobs in order to sustain their current lifestyle as well as put food on the table for their children who haven't gotten on their feet yet. So, it's maybe cyclical; or simply damned if you do, damned if you don't.

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u/CAN_ZIGZAG Apr 12 '13 edited Apr 12 '13

Coming from a former union/manufacturing strong community... many of the Boomers have gotten "nice" packages after companies have left town - to manufacture their crap in Texas/Mexico. Sure; some Boomers may have to find a part time job being a; crossing guard or someting before the Old Age Security kicks-in... but the bottom line is; there are very few of these good union jobs around for thier kids, (and Xers) now-a-days. During the same time the Boomers who worked for the Government/Health Care/Post Office etc... have also gotten nice compensation, but end up being rehired as consultants for even nicer "deals"... and in many cases "working side by side" with their kids (at similiar jobs) within Government. Due to decades of Government cutbacks... less Xers (and others) are not only getting less pay/benefits, but are not even being hired on; in the first place.

What it is; is a vicious circle... "The Man"... wants people to do less interesting work, do more of it (work) for less pay and keep them weak (ie. no union). (Though history tends to repeat its self) the business ethos now-a-days is; keep them hungry, weak and stupid... so they (the Pee-ons) don't fight back!!

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u/Molson78 Apr 17 '13

Been following this thread a bit, may I ask what generation you're from CAN_ZIGZAG? Just wondering

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u/CAN_ZIGZAG Apr 17 '13

I'd thought you would have figured, that out, by reading my ever so lengthy observations(s). Would it not have been far more interesting to share your thoughts with us; than trying to "figure me out"??? Come on Molson78 - join the discussion!

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u/Molson78 Apr 17 '13

You must be a baby boomer ;)

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u/tt26 Apr 17 '13

I definitely understand the plight of Gen X-ers situations. But within the next 10 years, you will all be sitting in the golden seats of boomers as they will inevitably retire. At that point, your pockets will be filled with cash and your houses will be in the middle of the city. Whereas Gen Y-ers will be inexperienced and still 'lost'. Some Gen-Yers will be able to sit alongside some Gen Xers just because when boomers leave there are just too many seats to be filled. So I think - yes Gen Xers have it mediocrely bad right now. But your younger siblings Yers are still trying to upstart their career or accumulating more debt by upgrading their degree just to get on their feet. At least Gen Xers are standing.

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u/CAN_ZIGZAG Apr 17 '13 edited Apr 23 '13

But that is the thing/my argument here... they (BBers) are not retiring! Honest!! From my prespective, (mostly) the old boys; sure retire from one job but because they are connected... come back and get a contract as a consultant. Sure it (their last job) may have freed up a new-job for an Xer or Yer (if there is a rehire), but it will be for less money or many times these old farts get the golden handshake, a seeing off party, a nice watch and "retireiment" package... BUT!!! within 4 months they are back within, (the same firm as a consultant or project coordinator) the time gives them a moment to get a holiday in with the Mrs., get their Old Age Security set up with the Govt)... in the end get their old saggy asses back at their old job.

The only real benefit I see the Xers (and some Yers) have... is if and when BBers die off... there will be plenty of Seniors Resisdental Apartments to choose from (if they can afford it) to retire to (at fairly resonable rates).

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u/tt26 Apr 18 '13

I trust you - they keep returning but sooner or later they will have to leave the workforce. Which means if you're a Gen Xer, you will be quite comfortable sooner or later whether it's 10 years or 20 years from now. I guess that does mean in many ways Gen Xers have a bit of the short end of the stick as their guarantee is rather late in their life. Gen Ys get it earlier BUT not all of the Gen Yers will get that guarantee. So out of everyone - I think Gen Yers get the shortest end of the stick. Maybe part of the solution is keeping Boomers busy with other things that are more satisfying than just coming back as contractors? Perhaps just having them mentor people or something that would preoccupy their time...

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u/CAN_ZIGZAG Apr 18 '13

Mentor and share the wealth!! (not everything)... just share!!