While Millennials and Baby Boomers often find themselves at each other’s throats, we all have to admit there is wisdom to be gained from our elders. So, in a world that is constantly in flux and maybe even low-key peril, a little Boomer insight can work wonders.
1. Know Your Way Around a Budget
Boomers are certainly adept at counting coins and playing the stock market like a casino, but Millennials can learn from their financial prudence and planning. One big ticket item that we can take away from Boomers is the preparation that needs to go into retirement. Boomers have already rung the alarm about the rising costs of medical care and being disciplined with spending — and, you know, not eating too much avocado toast.
2. Work Hard
While Millennials are prone to jump from job to job, Boomers are all about working their way up the ladder and advancing the traditional way. This thinking comes from the concept that hard work and developing relationships through networking will lead to continued promotions and career opportunities. Of course, there are some flaws in this theory, but no one can argue that working hard and delivering quality results ever hurt anybody.
3. Hold a Conversation and Look People in the Eyes
In an age of swiping and heart emojis, Boomers stress the importance of small talk and in-person communication. And, yes, while having these face-to-face conversations, it usually sets Boomers off when Millennials don’t make eye contact or glance at their phones. A conversation is a basic skill that carries personal and professional benefits. Our over-reliance on digital interactions is killing one of the best parts of human connection: talking.
4. Be Adaptable
Boomers have lived without seat belts and with mandatory seat belts. They’ve lived during the days of smoking on a plane to seeing cigarettes banned in most public places. Boomers would advise Millennials to stay flexible and expect constant change, especially when it comes to cultural shifts. All people, regardless of demographic, should stay open-minded and open to new experiences.
5. Take Responsibility
Boomers place a high value on personal accountability. I am sure Millennials can hear a Boomer co-worker or boss yelling out, “No excuses!” There is some truth in being mature enough to own one’s actions and not quibble over outside factors. Personal responsibility can bring Millennials closer to self-reliance and improve problem-solving skills.
6. Prioritize Long-Term Relationships
In an era of flings and dating apps, Boomers stress the importance of lifelong friendships and relationships. Most Boomers probably keep in touch with neighborhood friends and high school buddies. They probably even do this in awkward Facebook exchanges, but Millenials can learn from forging enduring connections and ditching the carousel of casual acquaintances. It will teach how to forgive and be patient with other people.
7. Find Purpose Beyond Material Success
Millennials live in a world where displays of luxury and excess are the norm. You scroll through a social media feed and greed has been normalized, but Boomers understand that all the money in the world ain’t worth a hill of beans unless you have someone to spend it with or people to pass it down to. True balance in life comes from adding value to your family and society, not going viral for being a goof.
Wisdom Comes in Grumpy Packages
Boomers have some amazing life experiences and great advice to offer. It will usually come in the form of a complaint or start with “In my day.” However, if Millennials can look past all that, there is a great foundation of Wisdom and perspective that can be useful for today’s ups and downs.