9 Reasons Why Bosses Now Want to Hire Generation Xers

For Generation X, landing a high-paying job or moving up the corporate ladder can seem daunting. Surprisingly, there are many bosses who no longer want to hire Gen Xers.

It’s not uncommon to face rejection or be overshadowed by a potential employer when applying online. This can be understandably frustrating, especially considering that many Gen Xers are more than qualified to do this job.

Unfortunately, if Generation X wants to make that cut, they need to have more than just strong qualifications. It’s sad, but the things that should open doors for them may now be holding them back.

Here are nine reasons why bosses no longer want to hire Gen Xers:

1. They are overqualified

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The first reason why bosses no longer want to hire Gen Xers is that they are too qualified. Gen Xers with 20+ years of experience are increasingly likely to be more qualified than the hiring manager.

While this sounds good on paper, this huge success comes at a cost to Gen Xers, as most employers are unwilling to shell out more than six figures for an employee. Average salary for Generation X it is currently $101,500, which is higher than any other age group.

People who have just graduated from university do not have the qualifications to earn very high salaries. Feeling desperate, these young people will work for pennies if it means getting the experience they need to advance their careers.

And with many people working for less, the need to pay overqualified Gen Xers has greatly diminished.

2. They’re not that tech savvy

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Another reason why bosses no longer want to hire Gen Xers is that they are not as tech-savvy as younger generations.

With the emergence of new programs and the incorporation of new methods, it can be difficult for Generation X to keep up. They didn’t growing up in the age of technologyThis makes it difficult for them to adapt. Unfortunately, companies don’t want to take the time to hold their hand and teach them how to use Google Sheets.

That’s why they skip Generation X. If they hire people from the younger generation, they don’t have to train them as much or keep them updated. Younger generations already know how to use different forms of technology because they grew up that way.

3. They cannot maintain work-life balance

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Another reason why bosses no longer hire Gen Xers is that companies cannot maintain work-life balance.

Many Gen Xers have children or grandchildren to care for. So they don’t have time to work extra hours or stay on Saturday night.

Amy Glass, BRODY Professional Development Senior Facilitator, notes that Generation X is increasingly likely to change jobs for more flexible working hours and work-life balance.

Unfortunately for Generation X, this is not a desirable situation in the eyes of an employer. It’s sad, but most employers don’t care if someone needs work-life balance or extra time off. All they care about is making money, so if Gen Xers don’t work overtime, they won’t be seen as worth hiring.

4. They are approaching retirement

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Some bosses don’t see the point in investing in someone who will leave in a few years. If they’re going to invest time, money, and resources into hiring someone, it might as well be someone who plans to stay for the long term.

An investigation into age discrimination in recruitment found that age-based discrimination is a real workplace phenomenon. Researchers found that people ages 40 to 49 in particular are increasingly less likely to be considered employees, and that this trend worsens as people get older.

5. They lack collaboration skills

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Some bosses assume that people in the older generation do not know how to get along with others because they are closed-minded.

Even though this cliché sucks, it does have some benefits as humans. found As they get older, they become increasingly nearsighted.

This may explain why bosses are hesitant to hire older people. To avoid drama and misunderstandings, most bosses don’t hire Gen Xers because they don’t want to deal with them in the workforce.

Is this fair? No, but when weighing the pros and cons many employers prefer to keep it safe.

6. They are not enthusiastic workers

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This may come as a surprise, but another reason why bosses no longer want to hire Gen Xers is that they are not seen as enthusiastic workers.

On the face of it, this may seem completely absurd. Older generations are known to put their heart into everything they do. However, when looking at the research, a different picture may emerge. As Aflac It found that 57% of Gen X workers were burnt out.

Considering this, it’s no surprise that Gen Xers have a hard time being enthusiastic about their jobs. This lack of desire is another reason why bosses don’t want to hire them.

7. They don’t work overtime if they don’t get paid

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The next reason why bosses no longer want to hire Gen Xers is because they demand fair pay for overtime. This is ridiculous, but most companies don’t like paying people their fair wages. In their eyes, employees are replaceable.

Therefore, Generation X may have no problem refusing overtime pay. If generation X does not stand out and working overtime they will find someone more desperate to fill the role.

Additionally, some companies will refuse to hire Gen Xers because they know how rigid Gen Xers’ boundaries are. They will bypass Gen Xers who don’t want to argue about overtime and find someone more compatible to hire.

8. They don’t follow trends

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Another reason why bosses no longer hire Gen Xers is because they can’t keep up with trends. In the age of technology, many companies use social media to promote their products. However, reaching a wider audience is not easy.

That’s why companies need someone who follows trends and can use them to increase sales. Unfortunately for Generation X, most bosses don’t believe they have it.

It’s a scary situation, but most companies prefer to hire younger generations to get the job done. This is probably because younger generations always on social media and get trending current events.

9. They do not meet educational requirements

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Finally, the last reason why bosses don’t want to hire Gen Xers is because they don’t meet their educational requirements.

It’s ridiculous, but these days you need a bachelor’s degree to get your foot in the door. This means that if Generation X wants better job opportunities they need to suck it up and take out student loans.

In reality, this is not possible for most people. But despite Generation X’s many years of experience, employers remain adamant about their higher education needs.

Accordingly Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, By 2031, 72% of jobs will require a post-secondary degree and/or education. For this reason, many bosses refuse to hire Generation X, who are more talented than their previous generations, even though they are more educated. Less education than millennials.

Marielisa Reyes is an author with a bachelor’s degree in psychology who covers personal development, relationships, career, family, and astrology.