Owning a home without forking over life savings, collecting a catalog of cars, not submitting to electronics, and living in semi-permanent states of privacy was the boomer generation's reality. That fizzled out of capability for the middle and lower class years ago. A popular internet thread reminisces on what used to be commonplace and is now booked for the upper class.
1. Wooden Furniture
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"My kids went through four beds in eight years in the pressboard material. I built a scrappy one out of lumber for half the price, and they love it. Let them paint it and all, and they couldn't be happier. Does it look classically better than the store-bought ones? No. Do the kids like it more? Yes!" a forum member writes about their wooden furniture introduction.
2. Not Being Available 24/7
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Someone who values their time uninterrupted by the daily demands of social media and work states they switched from answering every text, call, and alert to placing their phone on silent and scheduling a time frame where they check their mobile device. According to this person, the action restored their mental health and sanity.
3. Concert Ticket Prices
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Long live the days when concerts cost $10. Today, you need to sign up for verified pre-sale, hope you get an access code to enter a virtual queue and open a new credit card for a chance to see your favorite artist from nosebleed seats.
4. Farmers Market
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"One of my best friends also grows gourmet mushrooms and sells at a few farmers markets (also supplies some local restaurants). From what he's told me, getting a booth at a farmers market is a massive hassle these days. In our area, all the useless nicknacks take up so many booths that the food booths struggle to get a spot," a respondent replies.
5. Privacy
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If you exist in public today, there's a high chance someone will record you. Even if you end up being a passerby in a situation, every restaurant, hotel, and establishment stashs their properties with cameras. Not everyone enjoys the act of constant surveillance, despite the idea social media thrusts into society.
6. Owning Anything
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Multiple users state they miss the days when they owned software, computers, or cars. Nowadays, subscription services, leasing programs, and rent options keep businesses stable and alive, and owning anything is a luxury reserved for the wealthiest individuals.
7. Buying Homes
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Several double-income families can't afford to buy a home and pay their bills, so an overwhelming majority of residents continue to rent apartments or houses. With the uptick in rent, the housing market crisis, and tax inflation, owning a home provides a nostalgic glimpse into the past.
8. Family Vacations
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"I remember going on road trips regularly and even flying once or twice as a kid. Now that I have kids, there's no way I can afford a week-long trip to the Badlands, Grand Canyon, Disney/Universal Studios, etc. Best I can do is a day trip to the Dells maybe once a year," a parent admits.
9. Speaking to a Human Representative
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Picture this. You have an issue with your new phone and need to talk to a breathing human. You call the recommended number and speak to a monotone robot who can't quite understand your issue. To reach a real person, you must spend extraneous time warming up to the robot, who may or may not hang up on you.
10. Boredom
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A boomer recalls their experience of enjoying boredom. "There's always something to take your attention nowadays. There are literal lifetimes of entertainment on a single streaming service. Phones. There are tons of free and cheap games that can take hours of your time. Social media. YouTube. 20-30 years ago, if there was nothing you wanted to watch on TV, you either sat through it or found something else to do. Games had to be bought in stores, so buying them was more of a process. Once you had them, you committed to it or bought a new game. Sometimes, there was just legitimately nothing to do. You had to get creative with your downtime and make your own fun." Source: Reddit.
Cool Baby Boomer Grandparents
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Are you a cool grandparent? I bet you are if you are a baby boomer. Ask your grandkids if you're cool but be prepared for an honest answer. Staying up to date on the latest trends in technology is one way to relate to your grandkids, and you may even surprise them....
