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The people in our lives have a lot of wisdom to share with us—so long as we’re willing to listen. However, while some tips are incredibly helpful, others might no longer be all that useful for surviving and thriving in 2023 and beyond.
One Reddit user sparked an interesting but provocative discussion online. They asked members of the younger generations to share what pieces of work and life advice they’ve gotten from older people that they feel might be outdated. You’ll find their opinions as you scroll down.
Keep in mind that this doesn't automatically mean that everything suggested by members of older generations is 'wrong' or that younger people are always 'right'... or the other way around. The world's far more nuanced than that.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
*If you work hard, show up on time and give your heart and soul to a company, you'll get promoted and be financially successful.*
In 2023, if you work hard you will never get ahead and die in the harness.
Mohsie Supposie 1 year ago
In 2023, you can give your heart, soul, kidneys, lungs, both arms and both legs, liver and even your butt to the company, but you still not getting anywhere!
Bored Panda reached out to Sam Dogen, the host of the Financial Samurai blog and the author of the bestseller, 'Buy This, Not That: How to Spend Your Way to Wealth and Freedom.' He was kind enough to shed some light on adapting to an ever-changing world and shared his thoughts on what employees can do to continue to stay relevant in the job industry.
"Each generation operates in its own world, but may erroneously extrapolate how things were with how things are today. If one thinks this way, this shows failure to adapt to an ever-changing world," the personal finance expert told us via email.
RELATED:
#2
"Work overtime, holidays, nights, weekends, whatever you can. The boss will be so impressed by your commitment that you'll get a promotion and a raise!"
Nope. He'll get the raise. I'll get f**k all. And then I'll be expected to stay over every time. Goodbye, family, friends. Goodbye, work-life balance. Hello burnout.
"For example, I grew up in a world before the Internet for 18 years. Only until I got to college was I able to start surfing the web. If I was stuck in the past, I'd still be going to the library to do research instead of Googling for credible sources online!" he said.
"People need to change with the times, otherwise, they will get left behind. One thing I wonder is why we still need to spend four years or longer to get a college degree if we can now research and learn much quicker thanks to the internet? It makes no sense that the cost to attend college is also skyrocketing when most information can be found for free online," Dogen, the author of 'Buy This, Not That,' pondered.
"As a result, expect more and more people to reject the notion of going to college in the future."
#5
dress for the job you want, not the job you have. b***h, i work in a factory. cant be wearing a suit and tie with all this machinery trying to kill me. also, osha said i couldnt.
John Harrison 1 year ago
Okay, but do you really need the words "Use your head to see if this applies to you" tacked on to the end?
#6
Go right into the store and ask for the manager. Give a firm handshake, look them in the eye, and get the job.
Meanwhile, the host of the Financial Samurai blog revealed that the best way to stay relevant is to keep networking with people in your industry, as well as to keep your skills sharp and updated.
"I also recommend everybody build a brand online by starting their own dynamic website where they can share their thoughts freely. Having social media profiles on LinkedIn, X, and Meta are not good enough. You want to own your brand by owning your website to show your creativity, knowledge, and skills."
#7
Work a summer job waiting tables in the Hamptons and you'll have enough money to pay for a year of college, room and board, books, and still have extra spending money for the weekends.
#8
As an older person, this is hard.
Here are my best guesses for the worst old people advice:
1. Vote Republican. They are good for the economy and for national defense.
2. Keep some dimes in your pocket to leave for tips.
3. Don't bother to vote. They are all the same.
4. You don't need a union. Only losers need unions.
#9
When I was 23, somebody told me I was "significantly behind the curve" because by 23 you're supposed to own a house and a car. I still can't wrap my brain around it. Putting aside how wildly out-of-touch that is, even if you had the cash... who looks back on their 23yo self and thinks "yep, that person is totally ready for the responsibility and harsh reality of homeownership?" Not me, that's for sure.
It’s vital to keep in mind that just because someone belongs to a certain generation doesn’t mean that they behave exactly like their peers. There’s a lot of variation. Assuming that all Baby Boomers are identically “outdated” in their beliefs would be just as hurtful as telling someone that all Millennials and members of Generation Z are “lazy” or lack ambition.
However, certain general trends and outlooks toward work and life do exist, even if there are plenty of exceptions and nuances.
The viral Reddit thread confirmed that different generations do have broadly different attitudes toward work, family, success, and life in general. And while that’s expected to a certain extent, in some cases, it seems like there’s very little overlap. Well, at least at first glance.
#10
I went to the hospital and somehow managed to stay overnight without anybody asking for my insurance information. Eventually received a hospital bill in the mail for $1200; I was billed the "uninsured" rate.
I asked my parents for advice. "If I submit this to my insurance, it will likely go down, right? Worst case scenario I end up paying the entire $1200 out of pocket?" I said. They told me yes. So that's what I did...
Couple weeks later, I received another bill from the hospital. They had submitted the claim to my insurance. The insurance company negotiated them down to my $6000 out of pocket maximum and stuck me with the rest. I called the hospital and explained the situation, and asked if I could "unsubmit" the insurance claim and just pay the uninsured rate. The representative laughed at me and said something like "I'm afraid the cat's out of the bag now!"
The American healthcare system, ladies and gentlemen.
#11
My older male neighbour keep telling me I can get a girlfriend if I'm persistent and don't take no for an answer and court her at her home and work everyday because that's how he got his now wife, like mate that's F*****g stalking it's not the 60s anymore
Roxy Eastland 1 year ago
Who wants a wife that is with them because her life had been ruined and she realised she could never escape her captor? Compared to one that felt an independent attraction from the get-go?
#12
My grandma used to tell me never to get tattooes, or I won't find any work. Now I live in a society where even grannies have tattooes and nobody cares. Nobody. Cares. Just don't be an a*****e.
Roxy Eastland 1 year ago
I love that piercings, tattoos, and coloured hair are becoming more and more prevalent. One thing that younger generations have done, made it possible for many more people to express themselves with their own bodies.
Sure, someone telling you that you’ll get a job if you head on over to a store, ask for the manager, look them in the eye, and give them a firm handshake isn’t all that helpful in the 21st century. However, the idea behind the advice—the importance of confidence, body language, and being proactive—is actually timeless. The specifics might change, but the context remains the same.
What really doesn’t help, however, is if someone tells you just how easy it is to buy property. The economy and job industry have changed enormously over the decades. Unless someone puts in the effort to keep up with the news, they might assume that everyone can afford a house on their day job salary.
CNN reports that US home prices hit a new all-time high in July 2023, as property inventory hit historical lows. Homes in Chicago, Cleveland, and New York saw the biggest price increases in July, as well as June. What compounds the problem, aside from high prices and fewer properties to choose from, are the sky-high mortgages. The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose to over 7% in August of this year. This is the highest level in 20 years.
#13
“Respect your elders”
I respect everyone until you give me a reason I shouldn’t. You don’t need to earn my respect but that doesn’t mean you’re obligated to it just because you’ve been around the block. The most disrespectful and judgmental people I have ever met or dealt with are all “elders”
#14
“Don’t say you can’t afford a kid. You always can make do. Our first kid slept in our dresser drawer”
BluEyedSeoulite 1 year ago
I got this advice from a taxi driver once. It was a double whammy because it is terrible advice and I was suffering through infertility at that time
#15
My mother : "Women like it when men take charge and show they know stuff".
As we’ve written on Bored Panda recently, members of each generation tend to think that they see things far more clearly compared to members of older generations. For one, people tend to think similarly to their social circles. So if you’re surrounded with folks who think that Baby Boomers and Gen Y have outdated beliefs, you’re likely to think that, too.
What does undoubtedly change, however, is the (rapidly advancing) technology, as well as the culture of the times.
#16
Work hard at your job and you’ll get a promotion/raise.
Give at least 2 weeks notice to maintain good relationships.
Don’t buy Starbucks or Avocados and you will be able to buy a home in no time.
Oerff On Tour 1 year ago
I can agree with the first 2, but "don't buy Starbucks" is a sound advice. Not only is it overpriced (and overrated), but also the quality of their coffee is so horrible that you have to add a sh!tload of other stuff to make it somewhat palpable.
#17
If you're loyal to that company they'll take care of you.
#18
1: go in to apply in person - they are just going to tell you to go online.
2: ask to meet the manage to make an impression - the manager doesn't care and wants you to f**k off so they can work
3: send a thank you note for the opportunity - unless they plan on hiring you, they have already forgotten who you are.
4: go above an beyond to get a raise - f**k that. Act your wage because otherwise they are going to take advantage of your hardwork and never reward you for it.
5: buy a house in cash - literally impossible nowadays
6: all debt is bad - you literally need debt to build up a credit score and you need a credit score to be able to get any kind of housing.
7: don't take days off if you don't have to - look perfect attendance is a lie they hammer into grade schools to make you feel guilty for taking your paid time off that is part of your total compensation. If you don't feel bad collecting your paycheck, do not feel bad taking the paid time off you are entitled to.
Annik Perrot 1 year ago
That "building your credit" stuff must be à very US thing. When we bought our house, we were commended by the banker, because we didn't have a single loan pending.
#19
People usually reply something about tattoos making you unemployable, but I was once told you couldn't even have a beard or mustache at a job interview.
BluEyedSeoulite 1 year ago
Some professions, it makes sense. Like if you HAVE to wear a respirator mask with a complete seal
#20
If you break the law and try to take over the U.S. government, you will never be able to be president.
#21
Save your money, it will be useful in the future. Lol! What money? What future?
#22
I’ll play. My MIL just hit me with “both political parties are the same”, this afternoon on a 2.5 car trip. Needless to say I had a lecture prepared…
#23
My dad: If you want to work somewhere, you have to show up there in person asking for a job!!!
1. I have no company I “aspire” to work for
2. I have a feeling the receptionist would just go, “uhhh I don’t give the jobs around here, please check our online job postings and leave weirdo”
Wintermute 1 year ago
As a receptionist, yup. I always take a resume anyway, I always walk it to HR, and I always watch them s**t can it. "Did you tell them to go online?" Yes. "Okay. *trash*" They don't even read the name to see who tried. We legally can't look at any paper resumes anymore. Since we hold Federal contracts, all hiring has to be done the same way, and that way is online.
#24
I love how Dave Ramsey will say get 32 more jobs delivering pizzas to pay off debt. Well Dave, I would love to work and pay off my student loans. However, my job takes up 60 hours of my life. I’m salary and make no OT. Then you factor in that I have kids and have to take care of them. school events, sports, and just regular daily being a family s**t. Oh, and while I don’t go to church. That’s part of his bs advice too. Now, please explain to me how I’m supposed to do this?
#26
At this point? Nearly all of it. They give advice for a world they purposely destroyed.
General Anaesthesia 1 year ago
Just my opinion ==> Believe that if you want, but every generation wanted their children to be better off than they were. However, the world's population was 1.6 billion in 1900, 2.6 billion in 1953, and only 70 years later it's 8 billion. Purposely destroyed? No. Unwittingly by most, maybe.
#27
That we *need* to know cursive.
I use cursive more than I use block/print but that's only because my hand gets lazy and my letters drag anyway. I'm a grown person with a grown up job in an attorneys office. I have never once had to use or read cursive nor have I been asked if I can
Argie Smith 1 year ago
I do think people should learn to sign their names. You can't go around printing it. Pretty soon people will just put an X. A signature can be as distinctive as a fingerprint.
#29
‘Hard work will pay off’
(Simply because there’s a ton of young people who work really hard every single day and they aren’t recognized for it)
#30
Drug dealers will offer you free drugs in an attempt to get you addicted.
#31
My mom LOVES to say people need to walk into businesses with a paper resume, and ask to speak directly to the manager to introduce themselves.
She thinks this will almost guarantee a job at any business. She told my boyfriend to go to BOEING and ask for the manager to introduce himself. When I point out that most places want applications online, or that a lot of businesses have people outside of the manager do the hiring, she gets mad and says that’s just to weed out the people who aren’t willing to put in effort….
Susie Elle 1 year ago
How do you just walk into a company, even? If you were to do that at my job, they'd ask you: "What manager? We have several hundreds of manager-type employees, within different chair groups and departments. Do you want to speak to HR? You want a job? We have those online."
#33
Get a college degree so you can get a high paying job, do whatever it takes, take out a loan if you have to.
#34
If you burn your finger cooking, stick it in the butter.
A big, solid car will keep you safe! You know, like a big old studebaker made of steel with no crumple zones to absorb the impact.
Don’t sit close to the TV. The radiation will ruin your eyes.
Circa 1936 -
Lionel Logue: I believe sucking smoke into your lungs will... will kill you.
King George VI: My physicians said it relaxes the... the... the throat.
(From “The King’s Speech” (2010)
#35
Don’t take a shower or bath during a storm, you can get electrocuted
What do you think ?
Tyke 1 year ago
This post doesn't sit right with me. It's as though a lot of posters pointing these things out don't realise they too will be old, they will give advice that in time will become out-of-date. I mean, my parents weren't Jedis, how were they to know that smart phones would be invented. Yes, people said not to get divorced, a big reason being society was set up against women, it wasn't until the early 70's that women could open a bank account with out a man, it wasn't until 1980 that sexual harassment was legally defined, until the early 80s pubs could refuse to serve women - getting divorced was very detrimental to a woman's life. You get the gist.
Vira 1 year ago
I think it screams "out of touch" too give advice that's only appropriate for people 40+ years ago. There are plenty of people capable of continuing to learn well into their sunset years, but many will stop putting in any effort after 30. It's really not much effort to just check current events, and put in a little time to listen to others, but so many people assume the world stopped turning after they stopped going to school.
Load More Replies... 
Babs McGurk 1 year ago
Seems like Bored Panda is either bashing me as an American or me as an old person EVERY DAY now. Pretty soon, I'll be tired of coming here at all. Not that anyone will notice, I suppose.
John Harrison 1 year ago
I kid you not, Babs, I typed something almost exactly like this in my comment. I originally typed, "Another boomer-bashing post, this is getting tiresome. Probably not going to be around BP much longer." Then I changed my mind and just typed the word "tiresome" and left it at that.
Load More Replies... Tyke 1 year ago
This post doesn't sit right with me. It's as though a lot of posters pointing these things out don't realise they too will be old, they will give advice that in time will become out-of-date. I mean, my parents weren't Jedis, how were they to know that smart phones would be invented. Yes, people said not to get divorced, a big reason being society was set up against women, it wasn't until the early 70's that women could open a bank account with out a man, it wasn't until 1980 that sexual harassment was legally defined, until the early 80s pubs could refuse to serve women - getting divorced was very detrimental to a woman's life. You get the gist.
Vira 1 year ago
I think it screams "out of touch" too give advice that's only appropriate for people 40+ years ago. There are plenty of people capable of continuing to learn well into their sunset years, but many will stop putting in any effort after 30. It's really not much effort to just check current events, and put in a little time to listen to others, but so many people assume the world stopped turning after they stopped going to school.
Load More Replies... Babs McGurk 1 year ago
Seems like Bored Panda is either bashing me as an American or me as an old person EVERY DAY now. Pretty soon, I'll be tired of coming here at all. Not that anyone will notice, I suppose.
John Harrison 1 year ago
I kid you not, Babs, I typed something almost exactly like this in my comment. I originally typed, "Another boomer-bashing post, this is getting tiresome. Probably not going to be around BP much longer." Then I changed my mind and just typed the word "tiresome" and left it at that.
Load More Replies... You May Like 30 Life Hacks People Have Used Since They Discovered Them Because They Actually Work 45 Things That Used To Be Obvious 15 Years Ago, But Confuse People Now
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