Life was very different when boomers were children. They struggled in ways that younger people today may not realize. They suffered through many hardships daily, from a strict upbringing to an absence of technology. Most of the things we enjoy today as comforts and liberties didn’t even exist back then. Here are 10 things boomers had to endure that millennials may never understand.
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Living Without Technology
Boomers were raised without smartphones, computers or the internet. The only way to speak to someone was through a landline or by letter. Research meant sitting in a library for hours and turning pages rather than typing a query into Google. Only a handful of TV channels, radios or playing outside were available as entertainment. For the millennial generation, who have access to information and instant communication at their fingertips, this would be difficult to fathom.
Strict Parenting Styles
Boomer parents were usually stricter. Discipline included physical treatment such as spankings or going to bed without dinner. Kids were supposed to be seen, not heard, and they were rarely allowed to express their opinions. Parents are more open-minded and responsive today, with kids expressing themselves and having more choices.
Manual Labor as a Common Reality
Boomers often had to endure tough manual labor – whether housework, work on the farms or starting jobs early. There were no robotic vacuums or automated machines to help. Hand-washing clothes or fixing anything without professional assistance were normal. Millennials often use technology to do these kinds of tasks.
Limited Career Options
For boomers, particularly women, opportunities were far more limited in the workplace. Many jobs were not open to certain groups, based on gender or race. There was less access to higher education, and occupations depended on family connections or apprenticeships. Millennials have more options, as well as greater flexibility to change careers.
Growing Up During Tough Economic Times
Boomers had been through economic crises such as recessions and inflation. They had to make do with every dollar & they had few luxury items. Families lived on the verge of ruin – money didn’t come easily. Millennials might lament student loans and housing bills, but they don’t have a clue what it was like to live on the breadline.
No Safety Nets for Mental Health
Mental health wasn’t much talked about when boomers were children. There was little available therapy or counselling, and getting help was frowned upon. People were meant to “tough it out” and not complain about it. Mental health is more easily accessed and available now.
Lack of Workplace Rights
Boomers generally worked in less secure workplaces. There were fewer laws on workplace safety, minimum wages or anti-discrimination laws. Taking a day off or asking for a raise could end their jobs. Millennials enjoy better worker rights, better benefits, & more worker concern.
Limited Medical Advancements
Boomer health care was less developed. Diseases such as polio were real risks, and vaccines for many diseases were unknown. Medical treatments were more costly and less efficient. Millennials are living in the era of high-tech medicine, where vaccines, treatments and preventive care are now readily available.
Strict Gender Roles
Boomers were brought up in a society that had high standards for men and women. Men were expected to labor and provide – women were pushed into domestic service even if they desired a career. Disengagement from these roles was difficult and socially punishing. Millennials, on the other hand, have a lot more freedom in defining their lives.
No Instant Gratification
Boomers had to wait for pretty much everything. When they wanted to watch something, they would have to wait for it to be broadcast on TV. If they missed it, they would have had to wait for a rerun. To buy anything often meant saving for months. Millennials now get everything fast, through on-demand streaming, online shopping, & fast delivery. Boomers’ patience might feel like an art that was lost.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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