Generation X: The Unsung Heroes of the Workforce

Generation X has long been considered the "lost generation." They are sandwiched between two larger, more talked-about generations: the Baby Boomers and the Millennials. But what is Generation X? Who are they? And what do they bring to the workforce? In this blog post, we will explore these questions and more. We will discuss what makes Generation X unique and what they have to offer businesses today.

✍🏻 Written by Dr. Laura Whitman from MemoryCherish

Generation X has long been considered the “lost generation.” They are sandwiched between two larger, more popular generations: the Baby Boomers and the Millennials. But what is Generation X? Who are they? And what do they bring to the workforce? In this blog post, we will explore these questions and more. We will discuss what makes Gen X unique and what they have to offer businesses today.

What Is Gen X?

Generation X is a demographic category that encompasses persons born between 1965 and 1980 and thus, people born between these years are referred to as Gen Xers. Its first usage was a photo essay by Robert Capa about the lives of people born in post-World War II America. It further gained popularity after Billy Idol used it as the name of his punk rock band.

This set of people was born at a crucial time in history as their parents were mostly “baby boomers” and the “silent generation”; the two preceding generations that were born between 1946-1964, and 1928-1945 respectively.

Why Are They Called The Lost Generation?

The term “Gen X” was only used to describe this generation some thirty-odd years after its beginning, and so they have held a variety of previous names.

One of such names is the “lost generation” because they came of age during global economic turmoil.

They are sometimes also referred to as the “post-baby boom” generation because they were born after the massive population increase that occurred during the “baby boom” years following World War II.

Another name for Gen x is “baby busters” because there was a significant drop in the birth rates following the baby boom.

They were also known as the “MTV generation” because of the popularity of the music video channel MTV during their youth.

They were also called the “latchkey generation” because gen x children had less adult supervision than previous generations in the same age.

“The lost generation”, on the other hand, became most commonly used because there was a significant shift in societal values at the time, and they characteristically had social-tribal identities that were strongly influenced by film and music, particularly rock and hip hop.

This is coupled with the fact they have fallen off the marketing radar because they are locked in between two well-known generations – baby boomers and millennials.

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Characteristics & Strengths Of Gen X

There are several factors that shaped the personalities of Gen Xers. Because of the common time period they were born and grew up in, a lot of Gen Xers have similar qualities.

Here are some of them.

Education

Gen X is the most educated generation in history. According to the Pew Research Center, 36% of Gen Xers have a significant college education, compared to 32% of baby boomers and 30% of the millennial generation.

Gen X also has the highest amount of women attending college than any other before them.

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Technology

They enjoyed the history of technological progress and the media’s rise and development from its inception to the present. In addition, they were the first tech-savvy generation as they grew up with personal computers and digital technology in their homes.

This is a result of them being what’s known as latch key kids. Many Generation Xers came home to an empty house after school because both of their parents were working. As a result, they had to learn how to entertain themselves and be resourceful through new technology.

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Work-Life Balance

Gen Xers are often known for being independent and resourceful. This generation is also known for being the most entrepreneurial. In fact, Gen Xers are twice as likely as baby boomers to start their own businesses.

They are also more likely than any other generation to freelance or contract out their services. This is likely because they value work-life balance and are willing to sacrifice financial stability for more flexible work arrangements.

Social Issues & Diversity

Generation X experienced major shifting societal values and was the first to be tolerant of people of different races and upbringings.

Music & Film

The music and film of Generation X are highly reflective of the anxieties and disenchantment felt by many during this time.

They were also the first to experience the advent of music videos. Grunge music and alternative rock were a direct response to the polished pop music of the 1980s. Hip hop, on the other hand, was a way for young people to express their frustrations with societal issues.

Similarly, films during this period depicted the struggles of young adults trying to find their place in a society that seemed increasingly materialistic and out of touch.

Important World Events Of Gen X

Gen X had some unique historical landmarks. These events happened while Gen Xers were adolescents and young adults and most likely shaped their worldview.

Here are five examples:

The Cold War

At the height of the Cold War, there was great tension between the US and the Soviet Union. Gen Xers grew up during this time of uncertainty. They witnessed the moon landing in real-time as well as the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the Soviet Union, which both signaled the end of the Cold War.

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The Rise Of Technology

They were the first generation to have access to personal computers because the government incorporated more automation in education programs as part of the “Technology Initiative”.

They were also the pioneers of the internet as the internet became widely available in the 1990s and changed the way people communicate and access information.

The Civil Rights Movements

Gen Xers were also exposed to the civil rights movement and saw firsthand the importance of equality and diversity. They observed the complexities of racial politics and the integration of people of many races into public schools. This was a turning point that led to this generation being more committed to social justice.

The September 11th Attacks

These terrorist attacks shook the US and the world. They had a profound impact on Gen Xers, who were in early adulthood at the time. These attacks had an enormous butterfly effect on global foreign policies, airport security, and patriotism.

The Financial Crisis

The financial crisis of 2008 was another event that had a significant impact on Gen X. This crisis led to the Great Recession, which was one of the worst economic downturns in recent history. Many Gen Xers lost their jobs, homes, and savings during this time. Because of the unsafe financial situation at the time, more Gen Xers grew a strong entrepreneurial spirit and invested in order to gain greater financial security.

The Contributions Of Gen X To The Workforce

Generation X has been called the “unsung heroes of the labor market” because they constitute a large part of the workforce. Until 2017, they used to make up the majority of the US labor force. It wasn’t 2016 when millennials finally surpassed them with 35% compared to Gen Xers’ 33%.

They are hard workers who, despite occupying many senior management levels in their companies, are still often overlooked. While they are great at being independent, they have also learned to work closely with younger millennials and incorporate the next generation into the growing workforce.

Gen Xers are loyal, reliable, and efficient. They are also adaptable and resourceful. The majority of first responders to the 9/11 tragedy were young Gen Xers, as they were widely commended as heroes.

Gen X In Photography

Amidst the turmoil created by older generations, Gen Xers were able to flourish and build happy families. One thing is certain about them, and it’s that they will always have interesting stories to tell.

A common method Gen Xers use to tell these stories to their children in younger generations is through pictures in old photo albums. These photographs arguably represent the most unique era in human history, ranging from the post-war period of their baby boomer parents to the massive technological advancements in their time, further to the era of cell phones and social media in the time of millennials and Gen Z.

The sepia effect of old photographs particularly delivers great depth and dimensionality that gives a nostalgic feel to these photos.

An unfortunate occurrence is that photo prints fade away over time, and become blurry, and cannot tell these stories properly.

That is where we come in place!

We are MemoryCherish, the #1 photograph restoration company nationwide. With a little description, we can bring your images back to life, exactly how they used to be.

generation x

How Do We Fix Your Picture?

Our specialty is bringing damaged photos back to life and restoring their sentimental quality! Our restoration artists will closely examine your blurred image, remove stains, mold, blur, refine and add more detail and color to each image.

We won’t stop until your photos are in the best condition. We can handle any damage on any photograph!

Our commitment to producing stellar quality restoration has even landed us on news reports by ABC, NBC, and FOX news.

Join Our Community of Memory Keepers!

Become part of a dedicated group where you can revive and celebrate your treasured memories. Get exclusive access to expert photo restoration tips, share your stories, and connect with people who value preserving the past. Join our Facebook Group today for free and start preserving your legacy!

What Do I Need To Do?

First, you need to make them clean and ready for restoration. You can check out how to clean your old pictures.

Next, you need to carefully scan this photograph. Then, you upload it and pick your restoration options.

You place your order, and that’s it.

How Long Does It Take?

We would restore and send a digital copy of your sharpened image back to you by email within 24 hours. If there is anything you would like us to change on your restored photo, revisions are allowed on every restoration, completely free!

We also offer nationwide delivery of restored pictures in prints!

Can I Contact Someone For More Information?

Our customer support is available 24/7 to answer any further questions. You can send us an email at: support@memorycherish.com.

In A Nutshell…

In recent years, Millennials and Generation Z are the primary audiences for marketing initiatives, as they have a greater presence on social media and popular culture. These age groups are more tech-savvy, grew up using mobile devices, and are essentially digital natives compared to other generations.

However, Generation X is an important generation and their experiences should be preserved. As we move further into the digital age, it will be more important than ever to have the perspective of those who experienced life in two different centuries and multiple generations.

Old photographs are the perfect way to do that as they are stunningly beautiful images and hold stories that are decades old and have a timeless quality.

If you have any old photographs that require restoration, we would love to help you preserve your memory. Our team of experts has the experience and knowledge necessary to breathe new life into your photos and help you keep those cherished memories alive.

About The Author
Dr. Laura Whitman | MemoryCherish
Dr. Laura Whitman | MemoryCherish

Dr. Laura Whitman is the Head of Education at MemoryCherish, the #1 photo restoration company in the world.

With a PhD in Art History and a specialization in photographic preservation, she brings an unrivaled breadth of knowledge to her role.
Over her 19-year tenure in the field, Dr. Whitman has become a respected authority on topics ranging from photo restoration techniques to historical context and genealogy.

Her work has been recognized by major media outlets such as ABC, NBC, and FOX News, and she has been trusted with collaborations by Adobe. As an educator, she has developed numerous 'how-to' guides and tutorials, making photo restoration accessible to millions.

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