Gen X Rediscovered: Navigating Life's Mirrors

The Enigma of Being Gen X

When asked, “What would you do if you saw a Gen X person?” I would simply nod at my reflection and continue with my day. It’s a generation that is often forgotten or overlooked, yet, in my case, I am a Gen Xer born in 1979 who may also be considered a Xennial—someone on the border between Gen X and the Millennial generation.

Defining Gen X

Typically, people might brush their hair or wash their hands when they catch a glimpse of themselves in the mirror. For me, being a Gen Xer, I often see myself in the reflection of a bathroom mirror. This happens most commonly when I wash my hands after using the toilet or when I’m brushing my hair. These seemingly mundane moments are, however, an opportunity to reflect on who I am and where I stand in a changing world.

Understanding the Forgotten Generation

Gen X, roughly defined as those born between 1965 and 1980, is often described as the lost or forgotten generation. This characterization is partly due to our position between two larger and more populous generations: the Baby Boomers and the Millennials. However, despite our reputation as a forgotten generation, we are not quite as mythical or enigmatic as one might expect.

The Xennial Identity

The term “Xennial” is gaining traction as a way to describe individuals born on the cusp of the Gen X and Millennial generations—giving birth to a hybrid identity. Xennials were born around 1977 to 1985, often overshadowed by those who positioned themselves as the first “Millennials” in the early 2000s.

How to Identify as a Gen Xer or Xennial

Being a Gen Xer or Xennial isn’t just about a birth year range; it’s about shared experiences and cultural touchstones. If you were born in 1979, like me, you might relate to aspects of both generations:

Parenting: Often raised by parents who lived through the Baby Boom and then, as adults, faced the challenges of the 1990s and 2000s.

Work-life balance: Tending to value traditional job roles but also appreciating the flexibility and variety offered by newer technologies.

Cultural references: Being enthusiastic followers of TV shows like “Seinfeld,” “Frasier,” or playing games like “Chess” or “Risk,” while also being thrilled about early internet browsing in the 1990s.

Conclusion: Embracing the Xennial Legacy

So, next time someone asks what you would do if you saw a Gen X person, remember that you are part of a resilient and pioneering generation. The next time you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror, reflect on the hybrid nature of your identity—a blend of the old and the new. As a Gen Xer or Xennial, you embody the spirit of resilience and adaptability, navigating life’s mirrors with both humor and determination.

Key Resources for Further Reading:

NPR | Generations X and Y Take a Different Path in Life

Forbes | Xennial: The Optimistic, Expectant Generation Between X and Millennial

Time | The Lost Generation: Gen X