Gen X-ers: Are baby boomers to blame?

Question

My hubby & I are early 30s. Our parents were middle middle class and upper middle class... but it seems like no matter how hard we work, we can't provide the same type of lifestyle. We're both educated, have decent jobs. I think that health care costs for Baby boomers (sorry mom & dad!), excessive student loans, the need for 2 people to work/child care costs, high home prices, high fuel prices, high car prices, etc are destroying this country's "good ol' days". Anyone else going through this?

For clarification: both of us worked throughout high school -- bus boy, newspaper delivery, baggin groceries, cashier, you name it. My family couldn't afford to send me to college, so I worked, studied and STILL have huge student loans 10 years out. I'm grateful for my education and I know I chose my own career path -- but it seems like if there is an entitlement generation, it's baby boomers. We don't mind working hard, it just feels like we should be further along, like our parents were...

Answer 1

I think the student loans and the amount required for a down payment on a home are big obstacles which the boomer generation didn't have to deal with. They say it is relative to wages, but education and home price increases have out-stripped wage increases, period.

You could also consider the number of women entering the workforce over the last 30+ years. Simple supply-demand analysis means there are more people in the market to do the jobs which keeps wages down requiring more than a single income. (Not saying that is a bad thing, so no disrepect meant to the ladies...its just numbers)

Medical advances have increased life span which strains Social Security and requires increase in your SSA taxes (it started out around 1% as opposed to the 7.65% total today)

Not sure you can 'blame' them now for higher cost of living at the moment, but watch out as they get older, retire, and having nothing to do other than vote. Social Security issues are looming and younger generations will not have the numbers to elect candidates willing to make tough decisions to keep it solvent. Then you can blame them.

Answer 2

You are not alone. I think it's because we Gen-Xer's generally fall lower on the tax bracket then what the recent tax breaks have gone to. The ultra-rich and big companies. Like the Oil companies what was it 6 billion dollar subsitey? Inflation bites as well. Quality child care eats the budget but you can't skimp on that. It is harder but start a savings plan and simplify life just a rough road right now and don't follow a party line when voting. It's been rough under the current adminstration for our generation a lot of the increase rates we are paying for were approved under them..urghh. If it was mainly baby boomers that voted in the president, congress, and the house of reps then yes it is their fault but I think it is more the apathy and ditto heads of our generation and gen Y that let it happen. Simplify life, cutting extra costs and planning wisely will work as well as informed voting

Answer 3

I'm a \Gen-Xer and have similar problems. I believe the greatest reason for the struggle of Gen-Xers is the lack of labor unions. Employees lost the ability to demand decent wages as the industrial complex disintegrated along with the unions. In addition, when was the last time either of the two major political parties promised better wages and benefits for the working class? Baby boomers who are in charge of these political parties do not want to improve the lives of working Gen-Xers. Unfortunately, by the time the political power of the baby boomers dissipates - we will be too old to care.

Answer 4

As a Baby Boomer, I can tell you that things are not as good for us as they were for our parents. Many of us grew up in a time where fathers went off to work and mom's stayed at home. Needless to say, those days are over. Two incomes are necessary for most families now as you pointed out. However, that has been the case for a VERY long time. We didn't create that situation. Your "Baby Boomer Theory" just is not a one size fits all thing. There are many, many reasons for the problems you list in your question.

Answer 5

I don't think they're to blame for the things you site per se. What I do blame them for is the underlying culture of victimhood & entitlement. I was lucky enough to know my Gram as an adult. The WWII generation was VERY different. She used to live in one of those old folk's towers and when I talked to her friends, I would ask if they raised thier kids to turn out like they did. Some, of course, said yes but most said no and seemed quite disappointed, although they wouldn't say that outright.

Answer 6

Every one blames someone else. Yes, baby boomers carry some blame, just as gen xers, and all other generations. Society goes the way it's directed, and all you can do is your best.

Answer 7

yes, as baby boomers get older and older they'll just try to protect their own interests which go against younger generation's interests.
Politically, they'll have the muscle to call the shots.

Answer 8

Many people are going through it, but what's the point in assessing blame? We're in crisis and we need to find a solution.

Answer 9

So you are blaming the baby boomers for inflation?Spoiling you rotten?So do they blame their folks too?and so on and so on..Inflation does this to all people..blame yourself for having too high of standards and not enough money..baby boomers are to blame for making it so easy for their youth!

Answer 10

Baby Boomers have the same problem.
Stop seeking blame...... and seek an answer.