Generation X is the generation of Americans born between the years of 1965 and 1980. Gen X was the last generation born before the advent of the Digital Age. They are also the last generation to inherit the cultural characteristics of the 20th century before adapting to the 21st century. One of the defining characteristics of Gen X is the preference for being alone.
Here are 10 reasons why being alone is a Gen X choice and why it is not necessarily a bad thing.
1. Latchkey Kid Generation
Latchkey kids was a term that defined a whole generation of children in America, especially in the 1980s and 1990s. Latchkey kids were middle school and high school students, sometimes younger, who had to spend early afternoon to late night alone due to their parents working or being unengaged in their lives.
While this situation happened in other generations, the Latchkey Kid became a Gen X cultural signature and a reason why Gen X is OK with being alone.
2. Growing Lifestyle Preference
Almost 28% of Americans live in a one-person household. That is almost an 8% increase over the number of Americans who were living alone in the 1940s. People who preferred to live alone used to be seen as weird and untrustworthy, but that is a stigma that has disappeared in recent times. Most modern Americans, especially Gen X, happily choose being alone as a lifestyle preference.
3. Gen X Enjoy the Peace of Solitude
There is scientific research that suggests people who enjoy solitude enjoy a profound sense of self-peace. In contrast, the Millennial and Gen Z generation are notorious for selfie culture, going out, and socializing often. This is not to suggest that Gen X does not enjoy socializing. However, they are the prime example of recent generations knowing how to find inner peace when being alone.
4. Exerting Self-Autonomy
Gen X has no problem being alone because it empowers their sense of self-autonomy. Gen X and Baby Boomers were generations that were emphatic about self-reliance and depending on no one but oneself to get a job done. This social ethic was especially driven into the minds of the Latchkey Kid generation phase of Gen X. Gen X finds no problem in being alone because it proves they can take care of themselves.
5. Cost-of-Living Realities
The typical rent price in the U.S. ranges between $1,400 to $2,000. When you must pay that amount of money just to exist, the right to enjoy being alone should be considered a perk. Gen Xers, like any other generation, have to deal with inflation and rising cost-of-living costs. However, Gen Xers make the most out of such sacrifices by embracing the benefits of being alone.
6. Gen X Plan Their Lives and Time
Members of Gen X are notorious for meticulously planning out their time and activities. Gen Xers are very protective of their schedule and personal time. Gen Xers are not very accommodating of friends or acquaintances who stop by unannounced or who suggest spontaneous activities that go against predetermined plans. Last-minute changes to plans usually encourage Gen Xers to prefer being alone.
7. Gen X is Usually Ignored
When was the last time that you saw a major news story about the Gen X demographic? Most news agencies and bloggers prefer to report on Baby Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z to gain viewers and online traffic. Gen X usually gets ignored in most news stories. A recent online poll of Gen Xers said that they are OK with it.
8. Gen X Like Relieving Stress
Spending time alone to reflect on your thoughts is a good way to relieve stress and keep things in perspective. Gen X likes to plan their time and be self-reliant. The only way to do those things is to keep a clear mind and be stress-free, which can sometimes be hard to do around other people even in positive situations. This is another reason why Gen X sometimes prefers being alone.
9. Gen X Like Controlling Their Moods
Being alone allows one to reflect on their actions and the way they interact with others. Gen X is notorious for avoiding toxic people and people who can’t look inward. Gen X prefers being alone because they like to regulate their emotions and maintain the proper perspective in life. People who can’t stand being alone usually aren’t capable of self-reflection.
10. Gen X Are the Businesspeople of Today
Gen X is usually called the “Sandwich Generation” wedged between Baby Boomers and Millennials. This suggestion has its benefits and may also answer why Gen X prefers being alone. Gen X are now called upon to help care for the aging Baby Boomers and are usually the bosses employing Millennials and now Gen Z. Gen X enjoy their solitude and use it to recharge to mitigate the stresses burdened upon them by so many responsibilities.
Being Alone Is A Gen X Choice
If you are a member of Gen X, you don’t need to explain your preference for solitude any more than an extrovert has to explain why they don’t like the absence of people. If you know a Gen Xer is quiet and aloof, don’t take it personally. Every person and generation demographic has its preferences, and Gen X prefers being as a choice, not as an offense to others.
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Allen Francis was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years with no money, no financial literacy, and no responsibility when he had money. To him, the phrase “personal finance,” contains the power that anyone has to grow their own wealth. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including focusing on your needs instead of your wants, asking for help when you need it, saving and investing in your own small business.
