There’s a prevailing notion – or rather a stereotype – that women tend to fade into the background as they age. But you know what? That’s not going to fly with us. We Gen X women are not going to quietly slip away. Instead, we’re taking a cue from Dylan Thomas and are ready to rage against the dying of the light. And we’re doing it with that signature Gen X coolness.
Having often been overlooked, we stand by as the younger generations debate among themselves, while Baby Boomers shout “get off my lawn” to everyone. We’ve been observing with a laid-back attitude, but don’t mistake that for complacency. We’ve been quietly making our mark.
We don’t get flustered when our outfits aren’t considered trendy. Our knee-high boots and joggers may be labeled as cheugy, but we embrace that. Sure, my kids might call me “sweaty” when I’m working hard, but we know it takes a bit of sweat to achieve results.
And let’s talk about our financial power. According to Forbes, 40 million women over 50 in the U.S. wield over $15 trillion in purchasing power and are among the healthiest and most active generations. So if you think we don’t matter, think again. We’ll spend our money where we feel valued, thank you very much.
We’ll continue to occupy space, share our thoughts on the complexities of our 40s and 50s, and prioritize our mental well-being through meditation, yoga, and therapy. We’re not shy about our desires either; we’re having all the sex we want, wearing what we like, and expressing ourselves authentically.
Instead of reaching for hair dye, we’re embracing our grey hair, or perhaps opting for vibrant colors like pink or blue. Tattoos? Yes, please. Stilettos or combat boots? Why not! When we say we don’t care about societal expectations, we mean it. We were the ones sporting banana clips and pegged jeans back in the day. Remember the flannel and Timberlands? That was us.
As the overlooked generation, the latchkey kids who grew up in a world that didn’t seem to care, we’ve learned not to take ourselves too seriously. We try new things, sometimes fail, and then try again. We’re taking risks, whether big or small. We’re reinventing ourselves, going back to school, launching nonprofits, and starting businesses, maybe even those aimed at supporting other women in their 40s and 50s.
We’re writing novels, picking up new hobbies, and yes, even doing TikTok dances that might embarrass our kids. It’s all part of growing up with a free-range childhood full of boredom and exploration. We’ve mastered the art of trying, failing, and trying again.
We’re done with the old narratives. With inspiration from our Millennial siblings and Gen Z children, we’re dismantling the stereotypes that box us in as “women of a certain age.” We’ve been gaslighted for generations, but now we’re calling out the nonsense. We’re ready to discuss the emotional rollercoaster that is middle age. We’ve got stories to share.
Some may label us as cynical; we prefer the term pragmatic. If they think we’re bitter, we call it righteous indignation. Yes, we’re angry and for just cause.
So, watch out world. Gen X is not going anywhere. We will not fade away. We will stand up, loud and proud. We’ll throw on our favorite Pearl Jam concert tee from ’95, and we will rage.
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Potential Search Queries:
- Gen X women empowerment
- Aging gracefully tips
- Living authentically over 40
- Financial power of women
- Mental health resources for women
In conclusion, Gen X women are not merely going to fade into obscurity. Instead, we’re stepping into our power, speaking our truths, and breaking barriers as we navigate this exciting phase of life.
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