Understanding Generation X

Generation X is the generation that comes after the Baby Boomers. Those who are part of Generation X were born between 1965 and 1980. Generation X is one of the smaller generations, with only about 65 million people currently alive belonging to this generation. Generation X is said to be the first generation to grow up with a lot of time spent without their parents and adult supervision.

Around the 60’s and ’70s, females were more welcomed into the workforce, meaning both parents were away most of the day at work. In 1963 President John F Kennedy signed the equal pay act aimed at enforcing equal wages for men and women who perform the same job. Due to gender equality becoming a focus while Generation X individuals were born, these people are focused on creating a world where both men and women have equal rights and opportunities and can perform the same jobs. Generation X is focused on lessening oppression and ensuring everyone gets a fair chance to create the life they want for themselves. 

Pluto In Virgo and Libra 

Generation X is linked to the transit of Pluto through Virgo and Libra.

Pluto was in Virgo from 1956 until 1971, and Generation X individuals born between 1965 and 1971 belong to the Pluto in Virgo generation. The Pluto in Virgo generation is quiet, reserved, and observant. These people take in the information around them, process it, and find practical ways to solve the problems around them. Pluto in Virgo natives are duty-focused and are willing to make personal sacrifices to ensure things run smoothly and that their responsibilities are dealt with. This generation is willing to put their dreams aside for their duty, and they are so hyper-aware of problems, as their goal is to solve them, they live highly stressed-out lives. A tendency toward perfectionism can cause these individuals to work incredibly hard to create a perfect life by their standards. 

• Understanding Generation Y – Millennials

Pluto was in Libra from 1971 until 1983, and Generation X individuals born between these dates belong to the Pluto in Libra generation. The Pluto in Libra generation is highly focused on relationships and spends most of their lives building and maintaining relationships. Solving injustices in their personal lives and society is a significant focus, and Pluto in Libra natives spend a lot of time analyzing two sides to a story, weighing up the pros and cons of any possible situation before proceeding with the action. Just like the Pluto in Virgo generation, Pluto in Libra individuals are highly concerned with displaying a perfect image and maintaining this image; therefore, a lot of their time and resources are spent on impressing the world around them and covering up what is not so sightly. 

What Makes Generation Z Unique?

Generation X can be highly self-reliant with a laid-back attitude and are willing to face some of the toughest challenges in life with a smile on their face. Born amidst intense global and political conflict, Generation X individuals have incredible resilience. It is easy for Gen Xers to adapt to change, and many had to adapt to challenging circumstances early in life. Born during a time of great uncertainty, Generation X was not told to “believe in their dreams, and follow their heart,” such as what millennials were told, and they do not have overly idealistic goals and dreams. Instead, Generation X is an efficient generation that mainly focuses on the task at hand, what is essential and what needs to get done. They know that when things start getting chaotic and out of hand in the world around them at the end of the day, remaining focused is the best thing to do. 

• Understanding Generation Z

Interesting facts about Generation X

Incredibly Self-sufficient

Many Generation X individuals grew up in households where both parents worked all day, which means they had to find ways to look after themselves without adult supervision. Generation X learned to cook, clean, and do damage control from a young age, and there is no task they fear tackling on their own. 

They Know How to Achieve Work-Life Balance

Generation X can work hard, but they know how to play just as hard. They find it effortless to maintain a 9-5 schedule, a family life, a social life, as well as a couple of hobbies on the side without breaking a sweat. Younger generations are constantly engaged with their work, as they are always connected to work via their devices and the internet. However, Generation X feels less of this obligation, as these pressures to always be contactable weren’t around when they were growing up, which leaves more time for other things in life. 

Generation X Uses Technology Cleverly

Millennials, Generation Z, and Gen Alpha will likely develop an unhealthy relationship with technology, where they can become highly dependent on and addicted to their devices. On the other hand, Generation X knows exactly how to achieve just the right balance. Technology will rarely consume the life of a Generation X individual, and they mainly use technology for productive purposes instead of leisure and pleasure. 

• Understanding Generation Alpha

They Are Highly Nostalgic

Generation X individuals tend to hold on to experiences and memories of the past and can show little interest in music, books, and movies that are created in modern times. Many generation X individuals prefer to watch movies and listen to music that was created before 2000.

Generation X Are the Current Leaders

The chances are that your boss is a Gen Xer, as 51% percent of leadership roles currently belong to Generation X individuals. In addition, generation X currently holds a lot of power and authority globally and is presently the most important voice in industries and professional sectors.