10 Things Boomers Still Complain About in 2025
Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, grew up in a completely different world, where rotary phones, printed newspapers, and jobs for life were the norm. Today, Millennials and Gen Z are swiping through smartphones, scrolling social media feeds, and remote working.
As a result, it’s no wonder Boomers can often complain that things “back in the day,” were better. But, are they looking through rose-tinted glasses or (in some cases!) do they have a point?
From job hopping to tattoos, here are some of the things Boomers complain about a lot, while many of us have simply moved on.
1) Not picking up the phone
Back in the day, boomers relied on the landline (if they had one!) to keep in touch, so ignoring a call was considered borderline rude. Fast forward to today, and most people are so time pressed they’ll skip an unexpected call in favour of a quick WhatsApp or voice note. Still, boomers love to remind us, “you never answer your phone,” as if missing a call is a personal insult rather than modern life.
2) Job hopping
Boomers value loyalty. In the workplace this equated to one job, one company, one pension plan, and a quirky retirement gift. But for Millennials and Gen Z, changing roles every few years isn’t a red flag, it’s a career strategy. The world of work has evolved due to technology, freelancing opportunities, and a desire for career progression. Staying in the same job for 30 years feels more like stagnation than stability.
3) Everyone has tattoos
Once considered rebellious or unprofessional, tattoos were not viewed very favourably by the boomer generation. These days, they’re mainstream, and often meaningful, ranging from tiny symbols of self-expression to full sleeves of artwork. While some boomers still can’t understand why anyone would get one, the truth is tattoos are no longer taboo.
4) Young people are always on their phones
Back to the phone you never pick up! The second phrase you may have heard from a boomer on this topic is probably, “You’re always staring at that screen.” Truth be told, we have become increasingly dependent on smartphones, using them for work, shopping, reading, dating, and much more. Maybe boomers have a good point on this one!
5) Working from home isn’t a “real” job
Some boomers still believe that unless you’re sitting in an office from 9 to 5, you’re not really working. The pandemic changed a;; that. Remote and hybrid work are now part of modern life, with people proving they can be productive from their kitchen tables to co-working spaces. Work is no longer about where you are, but what you achieve.
6) Nobody cooks anymore
Home-cooked meals each night was the norm for most boomers. For younger generations, long workdays and busier lives means takeaways, convenience meals, and eating out have replaced nightly dinners at the table. It’s not that people can’t cook, more that they often don’t have the time or energy.
7) Online dating
Many boomers struggle to get their head around the fact that online dating has become the norm. The good old days, when people met their other half in “real life,” has been replaced by people swiping left and right to find love. What was once seen as a bit of a risky prospect, is now the basis for millions of relationships and simply reflects a more connected world.
8) Questioning the system
Younger generations are much more willing to question the narrative, from politics to moral issues and environmental concerns. Some boomers can view this as whining or entitlement, but it’s more about being realistic and aware of issues affecting the country, the workplace, and society in general.
9) People don’t dress nicely anymore
There was a time when you wouldn’t dream of leaving the house without looking polished. Boomers believed that dressing well was a sign of respectability. Today, comfort wins via tracksuits at the supermarket, hoodies on planes, and trainers at work. The dress code has simply relaxed, not totally disappeared.
10) Oversharing online
Posting about personal experiences, whether it is work stress, relationships, or asking for advice, can seem like attention seeking to some boomers. For many younger people, it’s a way to connect, process emotions, and be honest in a space that feels safe. What looks like oversharing is often just trying to connect with others and be authentic.
Generational quirks
Every generation has its quirks! While boomers complain about many aspects of modern life, they are simply viewing things through the lens of their own generational experiences. Sometimes a conversation can shift the criticism to a level of understanding, and other times picking up the phone for a quick chat can make all the difference.
