How do different generations experience burnout?

I often get asked if burnout is more prevalent now that it has been in the past. The truth? It depends on how you look at it.

Answering this question isn’t as simple as looking at the data and saying “yes” or “no”. There are many contributory factors for burnout that have evolved over time, but there are also changes in our society and the expectations we have for each other. There’s also changes in how we’re raised, the circumstances we’re living in, and how our world is being built to support us…or not.

This leads to a really important discussion about how the year we’re born can impact our risk and experience of burnout. No, I’m not talking about some woo-woo astrological something or other - I’m talking about generation gaps.

Generation Gap and Burnout Rates

Each generation, from Baby Boomers to Gen Z, brings its own set of values, expectations, and communication styles. It's important for us to recognize and acknowledge these differences when we're examining burnout.

Although we know that burnout is more than just something caused by work-related stress, the generational differences can impact workplace burnout in some pretty interesting ways. Sometimes this can lead to misunderstandings, mismatches in expectations, and conflicts with values. This not only increases the risk of burnout but can also exacerbate its effects.

To explore the impact of the generation gap on burnout, let's identify the adult generations:

• Baby Boomers: Born between 1946 and 1964.
• Generation X: Born between 1965 and 1980.
• Millennials: Born between 1981 and 1996.
• Generation Z: Born between 1997 and 2012.

Each generation brings its own set of values, expectations, and experiences, which can influence how they perceive and cope with burnout.

Baby Boomers:

Baby Boomers, known for their strong work ethic and dedication to their careers, were shaped by an era where job stability and loyalty were highly prized. This commitment could sometimes lead them to overwork and put self-care on the back burner because they felt so tied to their jobs. If you're like them, you might relate to this feeling of obligation, maybe even feeling like it's your fault if things get overwhelming. Like you did something wrong or you’re not good enough at your job.

This generation also grew up in a time of big dreams and high expectations. They were influenced by this idea that hard work equals success, which often meant putting work before everything else. It's like the whole "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" mentality—work hard, and success will follow. 

First - working hard doesn’t automatically mean success will follow. 

Second - if we push ourselves until burnout catches us, then we’re likely to not achieve that success at all. 

Third - we’re encouraged to forget about finding that balance between work and life outside of it.

Next, let's talk about loyalty. Baby Boomers were all about sticking with one employer for the long haul. Sound familiar? Maybe you've felt that sense of loyalty too, even when things get tough. And let's not forget about those traditional gender roles. Back when Boomers were growing up, society had pretty clear expectations for men and women at work and at home. Trying to juggle all of that could definitely add to the stress especially as the economy changed and more women are in the workforce.

So, whether it's feeling tied to your job, striving for success, staying loyal, or navigating traditional roles, if you’re a Baby Boomer, these might hit close to home.

Generation X:

Gen Xers came of age during times of economic uncertainty, like the oil crisis and economic recessions in the 1970s and early 1980s. Job insecurity and a super competitive job market could really pile on the stress. When you feel like you're just a number, sometimes you feel you have to push yourself to the limit to show how indispensable you are, right?

Sure, personal computers and the internet made things more efficient, but they also brought new challenges, like keeping up with rapidly evolving technology and feeling like work was creeping into every part of life.

Many Gen Xers were often on their own after school, with both parents working to make ends meet. It was the beginning of the "Latchkey Generation," coming home to an empty house. That independence taught them to rely on themselves. While this can be great, it can also:

• leave them feeling isolated, 
• Increase their stress, and 
• lead to hyper independence where they don’t know how to ask for or receive help

Now, let's talk about how Gen Xers shook things up in the workplace. They were all about flexible work arrangements and making self-care a priority. They were the ones who said, "Hey, maybe there's a better way to do this!" and started pushing for more collaborative work environments. And they weren't afraid to switch things up if they felt burnt out, whether it meant changing careers or picking up a side gig.

Gen Xers were the ones who really started talking about the concept of work-life balance and laid the groundwork for the conversations we’re having about it now.

Lastly, Gen Xers had to juggle a lot when it came to family stuff. With higher rates of divorce and more dual-income households, balancing work and family was a newer skill and could be tough. So, it's no wonder they were feeling the burnout. 

Millennials:

Millennials are often dubbed the "burnout generation." They've had quite the ride with technology booming and the gig economy taking off. But with all the opportunities that come with being the digital generation, there's also a ton of pressure to prove themselves, which can really take a toll.

Growing up alongside smartphones and social media, Millennials are all about that constant connectivity. It's great for staying in touch, but it also means work can easily spill over into personal time, blurring those boundaries and cranking up the stress levels.

And let's talk about finances. Millennials have faced their fair share of economic hurdles, from sky-high housing costs to mountains of student loan debt. It's no wonder they're feeling the strain.

Now, about that gig economy hustle. Sure, it's cool to have flexibility, but it also means dealing with inconsistent income and juggling a bunch of different jobs at once. Of course, this is a recipe for burnout.

And then there's the whole higher education thing. Millennials have felt the pressure to get those degrees for better job prospects, but that often comes with its own set of stresses, like academic pressure and worrying about landing a job in a competitive market. Let’s be real - there are a lot of positions out there that are hiring for someone with a degree, that aren’t paying a wage that reflects that requirement.

Plus, Millennials are all about finding work with purpose and meaning. But when they end up in jobs that don't align with their values, it can leave them feeling pretty drained from a fulfillment energy perspective. This clash between personal values and workplace expectations can really amp up the stress levels and even lead to burnout.

Although Millennials aren't just about work and have helped make progress in prioritizing mental health and wellbeing, there are still some roadblocks. With the rise of social media, there's also this constant pressure to measure up to everyone else's highlight reel, which can add even more stress to the mix. So yeah, it's been a bit of a rollercoaster ride for Millennials, but they're hanging in there and trying to find that balance.

Generation Z:

Gen Z has grown up in a world that's super connected, where being "on" all the time is the norm. But that constant pressure to keep up can really take its toll and lead to burnout, especially with the fear of missing out on opportunities always lurking.

Plus, Gen Zers are entering the workforce in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, facing a job market that's not just competitive locally, but globally too. It’s even harder for them to stand out and succeed!

And speaking of pressure, Gen Zers are also feeling the weight of academic expectations. There's this intense drive to excel in school and secure a bright future, which can be seriously stressful. The research is starting to see that future focused pressure showing up in children as young as 12. Can you imagine being 12 and already being worried about if you’ll get into a ‘good enough’ university or college?

Like Millennials, Gen Zers are no strangers to social media. They're constantly bombarded with images of perfection, which can leave them feeling like they're always falling short.

But here's the thing: Gen Z is all about mental health awareness and breaking down stigma, which is awesome. But sometimes, that push for perfect mental well-being can add even more pressure, leading to burnout if they feel like they're not measuring up.

Now, when it comes to work, Gen Z values flexibility and remote opportunities. Sounds great, right? But those blurred lines between work and personal life can be a double-edged sword, making it tough to switch off and recharge.

And let's not forget about Gen Z's passion for social and environmental issues. They're all about making a difference, which is amazing. But fighting for change can be emotionally draining, especially when faced with the urgency of addressing global challenges.

So yeah, Gen Z might be the youngest generation in the workforce, but they're definitely facing some big challenges when it comes to burnout.

How to Apply This to Your Life

Understanding these generational dynamics can help us tailor our burnout recovery and prevention strategies to address the unique challenges and strengths in our life. By recognizing how these learned traits and societal influences impact our burnout recovery efforts, we can empower ourselves to cultivate healthier habits and coping mechanisms. Whether it's: 

• advocating for flexible work arrangements, 
• adjusting your to-do list to work with your current energy levels
• promoting mental health awareness, or 
• fostering a sense of purpose in their careers, 

we can find a more sustainable approach to work and life. 

Need help figuring out how to do this? Learn more here.