The Xennial Dilemma:

Why GenX and Millennials Often Exclude the In-Between Generation

Xennials, often referred to as the “microgeneration” born between the late 1970s and early 1980s, have long found themselves in a peculiar position—caught between two major generational cohorts: Generation X and Millennials.

While Xennials share characteristics with both groups, they often find themselves excluded from the inner circles of either.

But why does this exclusion happen, and what makes Xennials so uniquely positioned yet so easily overlooked?

---

Who Are the Xennials?

Before diving into the reasons for exclusion, it’s important to understand who Xennials are. Xennials were born roughly between 1977 and 1983, though the exact dates can vary depending on who you ask. This microgeneration grew up analog but came of age during the digital revolution, making them the last generation to experience a pre-internet childhood and the first to adapt to the rapid technological changes that defined the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Xennials have often been described as having the cynicism of GenXers but the optimism of Millennials.

They’re old enough to remember a world before cell phones but young enough to have fully embraced social media. This unique blend of experiences gives Xennials a perspective that’s different from both GenXers and Millennials, but it also leaves them feeling like they don’t fully belong to either group.

---

The Generation Gap: Why GenXers and Millennials Exclude Xennials:

1. Cultural Identity Crisis

   
   

   Xennials often find themselves in a cultural limbo. They’re too young to fully relate to the grunge-era angst and DIY ethos of GenX, but they’re also too old to have grown up with the hyper-connected, tech-savvy world that Millennials are familiar with. This cultural identity crisis means that neither GenXers nor Millennials see Xennials as true peers, leading to a sense of exclusion.

   
   

2. Technological Divides

   
   

   GenXers grew up with rotary phones and mixtapes, while Millennials are digital natives who can’t remember a world without the internet. Xennials, who experienced both, sometimes feel out of sync with the tech preferences of both groups. They’re neither fully analog nor fully digital, making it hard for them to connect with GenXers who might find them too “plugged in,” or Millennials who might see them as slightly out of touch.

   
   

3. Different Life Experiences

   
   

   GenXers came of age during a time of economic recession, the rise of the AIDS crisis, and the end of the Cold War. Millennials, on the other hand, grew up during the booming economy of the 1990s, only to be hit by the 2008 financial crisis as they entered the workforce. Xennials, who experienced a bit of both worlds, often find their life experiences are not fully understood by either group. This can lead to exclusion, as shared experiences are often the foundation of generational camaraderie.

   
   

4. Music and Pop Culture

   
   

   Music and pop culture are powerful bonding agents for generations. GenXers had Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and MTV’s golden age, while Millennials had the rise of reality TV, boy bands, and early social media influencers. Xennials, who were teenagers during the transition from grunge to pop, often find their cultural touchstones don’t resonate as strongly with either group. This can lead to feelings of exclusion, as music and pop culture are often key elements of generational identity.

   
   

5. Generational Stereotypes

   
   

   Generational stereotypes also play a role in Xennial exclusion. GenXers are often characterized as cynical, independent, and skeptical of authority, while Millennials are seen as tech-savvy, socially conscious, and team-oriented. Xennials, who don’t fit neatly into either stereotype, can be overlooked or excluded because they don’t embody the traits that each group expects in its members.

   
   

6. Workplace Dynamics

   
   

   In the workplace, Xennials often find themselves caught between GenXers, who value independence and hierarchy, and Millennials, who thrive on collaboration and flat organizational structures. Xennials, who can see the value in both approaches, may find themselves excluded from both GenX and Millennial cliques in the office because they don’t fully align with the working styles of either generation.

   
   

7. Communication Styles

   
   

   Communication styles differ between generations, with GenXers preferring phone calls and emails, and Millennials favoring texts and instant messages. Xennials, who are comfortable with both, can sometimes feel excluded because they don’t fit neatly into the communication norms of either group. This can make it harder for them to connect and be included in social circles.

   
   

8. Political and Social Views

   
   

   GenXers and Millennials often have differing political and social views, with GenXers tending to be more libertarian and Millennials more progressive. Xennials, who often have a mix of both perspectives, can find themselves excluded from conversations because they don’t fully align with the prevailing views of either group. This can lead to a sense of being “in the middle” politically and socially, furthering the feeling of exclusion.

---

The Xennial Advantage

While Xennials may often feel excluded from GenX and Millennial groups, their unique position also offers distinct advantages. Xennials have the ability to bridge the gap between two very different generations, understanding the values and perspectives of both. This ability to adapt and connect across generational lines can be a powerful asset in both personal and professional settings.

Moreover, Xennials’ experience of growing up during a time of significant technological and cultural change has made them resilient, adaptable, and open-minded. They’ve learned to navigate a rapidly changing world, and this adaptability can make them more empathetic and understanding of others who feel caught between worlds.

---

Conclusion: Embracing the Xennial Identity

While GenXers and Millennials may exclude Xennials from their groups, it’s important for Xennials to embrace their unique identity and the strengths that come with it. Rather than feeling like they don’t belong, Xennials can take pride in their ability to connect with and understand multiple generations. By embracing their adaptability, resilience, and unique perspective, Xennials can carve out their own space in a world that often tries to fit them into one box or another.

In the end, being a Xennial means being comfortable with not fully belonging to either GenX or Millennials—because, in reality, they belong to both and neither at the same time. And that’s something to celebrate.

---

Do you like... 🦄 All things Retro? 🌈 Biblical values? 🥨 Neon dirndls and crimps? 🎮 Game Development? 🎶 Synthwave Music? 🏰

If so, I hope you know you’ve got a mutual here! So be sure to sign up for the newsletter at the bottom of the page! Don't miss a thing.