Generation X (or Gen X for short) is the demographic cohort following the baby boomers and preceding the millennials. Researchers and popular media use the mid-to-late 1960s as starting birth years and the late 1970s to early 1980s as ending birth years, with the generation being generally defined as people born from 1965 to 1980.Harvard University defines Generation X as those people born between 1965 and 1984. By this definition and U.S. Census data, there are 65.2 million Gen Xers[3] in the United States as of 2019.[4] Most members of Generation X are the children of the Silent Generation and early boomers; Xers are also often the parents of millennials and Generation Z.
Common Traits Of Generation Xers
Generation X is only “small” by comparison to other large generations. While Baby Boomers and Millennials number over 70 million, according to census data there are around 65 million Gen Xers. Therefore, we can’t narrow down the exact personality profile of Gen Xers. However, they do have several traits in common, likely because they went through similar experiences in life.
Here are several key characteristics exhibited by Gen Xers.
Independent And Self-Reliant
This generation is known for being latch key kids – children who come back to an empty home because both Baby Boomer parents were working. Since Gen X children had to take care of themselves and fill the time until their parents came home, they’re known to be very independent. A Gen Xer’s independence also extends into self-reliance. Many of them will happily take on responsibilities and figure out how to best overcome challenges by themselves. In the workplace, this means Gen Xers generally require – and in fact, thrive – under less supervision.
Independent Gen Xers are often heavily considered for leadership positions. Time Magazine published an article stating that many growth companies are led by Gen Xers.
Values Diversity
Living in a post-Civil Rights Movement America and going to integrated public schools also means that Gen X is likely more tolerant compared to older generations. In fact, a study by William Strauss in the 1990s showed that Gen Xers were the least racist generation to date.
Casual And Less-Formal. Gen X thrives in informal environments. Even in the workplace, they prefer not to wear uniforms and live for casual Fridays. They also prefer casual and informal interactions with coworkers, if possible.
Critical Thinkers
Living through times of political unrest in the shadow of Vietnam and Watergate, Gen X exhibits high critical thinking skills and a penchant for questioning authority. While some may call them cynical, their upbringing during uncertain times gave them a good reason to doubt and question everything about the world around them.
Craves Work-Life Balance
A large part of Generation X lives by the mantra “work hard, play hard”. Since they grew up in harsh economic times, they’re much more likely to seek work-life balance compared to the preceding generation. Members of Gen X usually have good time-management skills, so they can still pursue their real aspirations alongside their careers. Aside from pursuing careers, many Gen Xers also choose other avenues of earning that won’t upset their work-life balance. Some may freelance so they can work at their own pace, while others with a strong entrepreneurial spirit decide to turn their passions into a business.
Tech-Savvy
This generation grew up witnessing the development of personal computing. At the time, personal computers and mobile devices like cell phones were almost unheard of and they were the bleeding edge of technology. Gen Xers eventually become comfortable with using personal electronic devices like computers and smartphones. While they’re not digital natives like Gen Z, most Gen Xers can still grasp today’s technology quickly. Some Gen Xers took it a step further and started companies that would become today’s tech giants. For instance, Google’s founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin are both Gen Xers
