Summary

An older individual, identifying as a Baby Boomer, reflects on their generation's impact on society and technology proficiency, revealing a personal failure to conform to traditional Boomer stereotypes due to their adaptability and embrace of modern advancements.

Abstract

The author of the web content, who identifies as a Baby Boomer, discusses the generational test circulating on social media that assesses one's alignment with typical Boomer behaviors. Despite being a Boomer by birth, the author scores low on the test, indicating a lack of adherence to the stereotypical Boomer lifestyle. The test questions cover various aspects of technology use, social habits, and consumer preferences. The author proudly notes their ability to adapt to new technologies, maintain efficient communication, and integrate modern conveniences into their life. They acknowledge the Boomer generation's historical role in social activism but admit that as a whole, Boomers have not adequately collaborated with younger generations to address ongoing societal issues. The author's self-assessment reveals a nuanced perspective on generational identity, emphasizing personal growth and adaptability over static generational labels.

Opinions

The author is proud of their Boomer identity but recognizes that their adaptability and tech-savviness set them apart from common Boomer stereotypes.
They believe that while Baby Boomers were instrumental in driving social change during the sixties, they have become complacent in their older age, failing to maintain active involvement in societal progress alongside younger generations.
The author values the contributions of new technology and actively seeks to learn and incorporate these advancements into their daily life.
They criticize the notion that Boomers are inherently resistant to change, demonstrating through personal example that adaptability is possible at any age.
The author suggests that younger generations have learned from the mistakes of organizations that took advantage of Boomer work ethics, advocating for a healthier work-life balance.
They express a commitment to remaining an "unusual Boomer" by continuing to embrace change and challenge outdated practices.

Live Your Best Life

I Am A Boomer, but I Failed the Boomer Test

The test is about our ability to adapt — take it and see

zinkevych — stock.adobe.com / Author’s subscription

“Do you think we enjoy hearing about your brand-new million-dollar home when we can barely afford to eat Kraft Dinner sandwiches in our own grimy little shoe boxes and we’re pushing thirty? A home you won in a genetic lottery, I might add, sheerly by dint of your having been born at the right time in history? You’d last about ten minutes if you were my age these days.” ― Douglas Coupland, Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture

My young relatives are always trying to poke me because I proudly admit that I am a Boomer through and through. I AM a Boomer, but many of my ways are not Boomerish. I did, however, participate in the activities for which Boomers are most known.

“What Did Baby Boomers Contribute to Society?

The sixties defined the era of social change, and the Baby Boomers led the charge through activism, social change, and freedom. Baby Boomers opened our eyes to social attitudes with a decade of riots, boycotts, antiwar demonstrations, and protests for civil rights.” karenmccullough.com, What Are Baby Boomers Known For — Understanding Boomers And Their Contributions

I was deep into all of the injustices that Boomers wanted to change in the world, and change it, we did. But we did not finish the job because comfort became one of our mantras as we grew older. As we grew older, we did not collaborate enough with the younger generations, leaving them to clean up some of our messes.

A test is going around in social media to see how much of a Boomer a person is. I must admit that I spectacularly failed the test. Below are the questions. Each positive answer is one point.

1. Do you need help setting up your new smartphone?

No, I do not need help setting up my new smartphone. I have already transferred my files and am using my phone. Let me show you a few less-known smartphone tricks to make your smartphone more efficient. Zero points.

2. Does new technology fluster you?

No, I love new technology and often tell the younger generations about some item or process I have discovered that will improve our lives befroe thye tell me. Zero points.

3. Do you still have a landline?

No, not for many, many years. Zero points.

4. Do you still have cable?

Nope, we only have internet access, which enables us to stream all our entertainment programming. Zero points.

5. Do you know the difference between a text and an email?

Yes, I know how to send texts. With emojis. And we know how to use email like email ninjas. Zero points.

6. Can you send a text by yourself?

Yes, I am the one who started the various text groups with friends and family members during the COVID-19 isolation. I set up the Zoom meetings on my Zoom account. Zero points.

7. Do you call younger people and leave a voice message?

Never, because they do not answer. Zero points.

8. Do you still get the print newspaper delivered?

No. Zero points.

9. Can you search Google unassisted?

Yes, all by myself. I use no more than four words as my prompt most times. Zero points.

10. Do you know how to use the voice search for anything?

Yes, I can voice search the internet (ha-ha), phone, and customer service systems. Zero points.

11. Do you prefer a desktop to a laptop?

Yes, I prefer a desktop when home, but I travel with a laptop. One point.

12. Do you still use a dedicated handheld calculator to pay your bills?

No, we are electronic all the way. Zero points.

13. How quickly can you identify a scam email?

I do not answer Nigerian princes who have 200 million for me. I do not answer the USPS message that they are holding a package for me, and all they need is my bank account number. I do not answer any bank phone calls asking for my information. Zero points.

14. Do you have weekly coffee dates with your friends?

Yes, most of my friends are out of town, but I have monthly meetings with those still alive. One point.

15. Do you read the AARP magazine?

Yes. One point

16. Do you go for early morning walks?

No. But I should. Zero points.

17. Do you enjoy Costco and Sam’s Club more for the samples or for the shopping?

We go to shopping clubs to shop, not to eat. Zero points.

Scale 0–7 points: You are not a true Boomer.

8+ points: You are a Boomer.

My score is three points. The reason I failed the test is that I am an adaptive engineer. When I find something that works better than what I am doing, I take that thing as my own. Because I bump into my young relatives weekly, I steal updates from them constantly.

Even though I failed the test, I still consider myself a Boomer by definition. My family values are those of a typical Boomer. My behavior about work was not the way young people behave today. I worked multiple unpaid hours in my lifetime, being loyal to companies that were not loyal to me who were, in fact, taking advantage of my work ethic.

I am pleased that the younger generations learned from organizations’ treatment of Boomers and are tipping the work-life scale toward life. My views make me an unusual Boomer. And I am working hard to stay that way.

Advice From Toni Crowe

Don’t Accept More Responsibility With No Change in Pay or Title

This is called Quiet Hiring

medium.com

The ebook-only marketing tool, What Happened to Baby?, contains the short story about Baby — the bottom bitch for a ruthless pimp — and Chapter One of Never a $7 Whore and Chapter One of Bullets and Bosses Don’t Have Friends, both won Toni Crowe awards at the 2019 Readers Favorite Awards. Written especially for conferences, this short read is available on Amazon for $0.99 and to Kindle Unlimited members for free.

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