The Generation X Files

Every generation thinks they’re better than the last.

Historians generally agree that naming generations only started in the 20th century – probably because before that, people were too busy dying from dysentery to worry about branding!

Some, like Gertrude Stein, tried to define the “Lost Generation” through profound post-WWI disillusionment.

The shift from Stein to the present is really a shift from cultural observation to marketing warfare.

Stein defined a generation by its shared trauma and existential loss.

Today, these labels exist simply to sell us something. Or, worst of all, to blame each other for the fact that we can’t afford to buy anything!

As you can probably tell from the site name, I’m Generation X.

I was born in 1975. Overall, I’d have to say, I’m pretty grateful for that!

I don’t think I’d want to be born today, into this current world we’re living in. I swear, it’s getting crazier by the day!

I mean seriously! Wtf!? What sort of meglo–brain comes up with the prompts to create that recent AI-generated, fever-dream of a “Truth”?

To create a visual representation of your own…what’s the word? Narcissphemy? Is that a thing…? It is now! Maybe I’ll submit it to the urban dictionary…

Narcissphemy™️ (n.): When your own ego becomes a higher power…😝

Oops – sorry about that little rant there…where was I?

Oh yes, I remember….I was talking about my Generation (lol…see what I did there?! 🎯)

It’s mad to think that in 2026, we’ve got seven generations walking the earth at the same time, ranging from the remaining Greatest Generation (1901-1927) to the brand-new Generation Beta (2025-2039).

For the first time in history, we have five distinct generations sharing the same workspace.

With Generation Alpha starting to appear in internships and part-time roles, we are rapidly moving toward a six-generation landscape (Silent Generation, Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and Generation Alpha). 

While the media stokes focuses on tension, having six generations – from Silent Generation advisors to Generation Alpha interns – sharing the same workspace (and planet!) could be a ‘Waltons on steroids’ scenario…

Like a family that disagrees on everything but still shows up for dinner.

So, who exactly is sat round this table? Here is how I’d describe it in 2026:

• Silent Gen/Traditionalists (The Matriarch/Patriarch): Sitting at the head of the table, telling you the turkey is dry and they made it better…in 1965. Also, asking why you haven’t bought a house yet.
• Baby Boomers (The Overachieving Parents): In the kitchen, sweating over 14 sides, and complaining that nobody helps… while ignoring all help offered. As masters of logistics, they are ensuring the pantry is over-stocked and the “waste not, want not” mantra is strictly enforced.
• Gen X (The “Here for the Wine” Aunt/Uncle): Cynical, pragmatic, and sitting in the corner. They solve the chaos and bridge the tech gap, doing just enough to stay in the will…while plotting a quiet exit…to get home and re-binge-watch a 10-year-old show.
• Millennials (The Over-prepared Cousins): Brought an artisanal, deconstructed, gluten-free, vegan dish and are currently trying to fix the Wi-Fi. They are patiently explaining to the Boomers that “the cloud” is not a physical place in the sky.
• Gen Z (The Teenagers): In the corner on their phones, filming the entire chaotic scene for TikTok, labelled #FamilyTrauma.
• Gen Alpha (The Tech-Native Kid): Filming the Gen Z teens for TikTok, while trying to sell AI-generated art (made in 5 seconds) to the Gen X auntie, who thinks it’s “lovely.”

Yes, it can be absolute pandemonium.

But if we take this out of the boardroom and apply it to the world in general, this mix of experience, ambition, skepticism, and raw digital fluency is a superpower waiting to be harnessed!

A rare opportunity for unparalleled knowledge transfer.

The Silents bring the history, the Boomers the stamina, Gen X the pragmatism, Millennials the innovation, Gen Z the authenticity and Alpha (and beyond)…the future.

That’s not just a recipe for success; it’s a blueprint for a better future!

If we can learn to appreciate what each of us brings to the table, we might stop focusing on the things that keep us apart. 

Because, like it or not, we’re all in this together!

The future of work – and society – depends on whether we’re willing to keep sitting round the table together.

We’re never going to agree about everything…but, maybe we can try to find some common ground.

At the very least, stop blaming each other and arguing all the time.

It’s time to stop widening the generation gap. Let’s try building a bridge across it instead…

Citizen Jane x ✌️

Ready to build that bridge? Tell me about someone from another generation who actually showed you a better way of doing things. What was it? Let’s chat in the comments—Narcissphemists™️ need not apply! 👇