Introduction: Setting the Record Straight on Gen X
“Loser Generation”? Really, The Economist? If Gen Xers had a pound or a dollar or a euro for every time we heard that, we’d all be retired in style—or at least have better things to do than rebut tired stereotypes. The truth? The term Generation X was actually invented by us—an extension of the original use coined by Canadian author Douglas Coupland. We do not use it as an excuse but as a badge of honor reflecting our self-awareness about being the invisible generation.
The “X” marks the spot for those who push back against labels and reject easy definitions. So no, it wasn’t invented to give the following generations a simple method to coin their own uninspired labels such as Millennials or Gen Z. Gen X coined that term precisely because we were largely invisible to the cultural narrative.
The “Invisible Generation” Myth — More Seen Than You Think
Sure, the article claims we’re “ignored,” but Gen X shaped the tech boom, launched startups, led corporations, and influenced culture more than it’s given credit for. From groundbreaking entrepreneurs to leaders in entertainment and politics, we’re everywhere—just not always in the spotlight
Gen X provided the founders and the workforces that created some companies you may well have heard of: YouTube, Instagram, Hulu, Mozilla, Spotify, AWS, eBay, Zoom, Yelp, Dropbox. Yes, some of Gen X sat in their bedrooms as kids with the first personal computers, but they did not learn to consume—they learned to create. You are welcome.
So, the next time you see a teen wearing a Nirvana, Metallica, Oasis, or even an ATARI T-shirt, ask them why, and if they would wear a Taylor Swift or Lenovo one in 40 years’ time.
“U-Bend of Life” and Middle-Aged Crisis — Been There, Done That
Yes, midlife stress is real—but instead of a crisis, many of us have turned it into growth and grit. Gen X is the generation that changed how we balance career, family, and mental health. We acknowledge struggles but also champion resilience and adaptability. The U-bend is a challenge, but it’s not a defeat. Rather than mocking where Gen X is right now in this U-bend, why not talk to them and learn what it is to be resilient? Believe me, you will need it.
All the following generations will hit the U-bend as well, and it will be exacerbated by a changing workplace and the continued growth of AI. Gen X has an ability to spot and call out bullshit when it sees it, without fear of offending or toeing the line. It’s a skill that has grown over the years and developed. I would suggest learning it; you may find it useful in the years to come.
Economic Struggles: Stagnant Income and Stressed Wallets
It’s true, the economic cards were stacked against us—dotcom bust, 2008 crash, disrupted pension systems—but Gen X also pioneered side hustles, embraced financial innovation, and adapted to changing realities. We don’t just complain; we work smarter and reinvent ourselves constantly. Some might say that this is about being raised ‘free-range’ where the only rules were, “be back when the street lights come on”, or “don’t do anything I wouldn’t do”.
Some say that the time we spent amongst our peers, inventing our own entertainment and dealing with our own problems, created a kind of spirit that seeks solutions to challenges rather than expecting someone else to solve them for us.
Sandwich Generation: Our Superpower, Not a Burden
Supporting both kids and aging parents is tough but also a profound expression of Gen X’s empathy and strength. It’s a learning experience. We live in a world where our elders hark back to a better world, a world where they were in control and kids were better off elsewhere doing their own thing. They don’t understand the constant presence of kids in the house now, seeking instant gratification and having all that they want just a touchscreen away.
There is a huge gap of understanding between the very young and the very old right now. But Gen X experienced the old world and created the new one. We get both sides. We’re the glue holding families and communities together, balancing love and responsibility in ways no other generation has had to.
Retirement Reality Check — Planning Smarter, Not Just Harder
Many predict our retirement will be challenging. True—but Gen X is exploring new models: partial retirements, entrepreneurship in later life, and alternative income streams. We may not have the boomers’ pensions, but we have creativity and persistence to carve our own paths. Over a typical Gen Xer’s career, they have gone from the first word processors to AI, from knowing how to operate a lathe to learning how to program a fully automated production system. We have adapted to changing work environments more than any generation before us has had to. We are natural survivors who will continue to adapt—even when they add two years to the pension age.
Conclusion: Why We’re Not Losers — Just the Realistic Middle Kids
The “loser generation” label ignores the real story—Gen X is the silent powerhouse, the generation that quietly keeps the world turning while others hog the headlines. We may be overlooked, but that’s exactly how we planned it—steady, resilient, and ready for what’s next. This response to the article is not in any way supposed to bemoan any other generation or retaliate; it’s just a reminder. Before writing us off, remember who you are dealing with: an independent, resilient, tough, pragmatic, and adaptable generation, who doesn’t really give a toss what anyone else thinks.
So next time you want to write an article that calls Gen X ‘losers’, remember this: we have lived through a lot, some of us have lost friends and relatives, we have been made redundant, we have lost homes and possessions, we have weathered ill health, political maelstroms, financial difficulties and sometimes a little bit of our sanity has gone by the wayside too. But we are still here, we will be gone one day, but not yet. Not yet, my friend.
As a great man once said, ” I could be wrong, I could be right “
Don’t just take my word for it, Click the link below open YouTube for Mr John Lydon and PIL. Stay strong, stay honest and Rise.
Nice one!
Well thank you Sam, it’s good to be appreciated.