Gen X doesn’t really do mental health the way Millennials and Gen Z do. Not because we don’t have struggles, we absolutely do, but because we were raised to push through, suck it up, and get the job done. We don’t talk about burnout; we "manage" it. We don’t dwell on stress; we just keep moving forward.
And maybe that’s the problem.
We’re pragmatic. We’re independent. We work hard. But when it comes to balancing life and work, work usually wins. That’s not necessarily a badge of honor. It’s just the way things always were, so we accepted it.
Meanwhile, younger generations are out here setting boundaries, prioritizing mental health, and openly discussing burnout like it’s something real -- which, of course, it is. They’re making it clear that grinding yourself into the ground isn’t a requirement for success. And honestly? Maybe they’re onto something.
Because let’s be real. We’ve spent years quietly burning out, shoving stress deep into our bones, and calling it "dedication."
So yeah, we don’t talk about mental health like they do. But maybe it’s time we start.
And maybe that’s the problem.
We’re pragmatic. We’re independent. We work hard. But when it comes to balancing life and work, work usually wins. That’s not necessarily a badge of honor. It’s just the way things always were, so we accepted it.
Meanwhile, younger generations are out here setting boundaries, prioritizing mental health, and openly discussing burnout like it’s something real -- which, of course, it is. They’re making it clear that grinding yourself into the ground isn’t a requirement for success. And honestly? Maybe they’re onto something.
Because let’s be real. We’ve spent years quietly burning out, shoving stress deep into our bones, and calling it "dedication."
So yeah, we don’t talk about mental health like they do. But maybe it’s time we start.