8 outdated rules boomers still follow—and why some of them actually make sense

Ever hear advice from your parents or grandparents and immediately think, Well, that doesn’t apply anymore?

You’re not alone. Boomers grew up in a radically different world—one where rotary phones, pension plans, and handwritten resumes were the norm. So naturally, some of the “rules” they live by can seem outdated or even laughable today.

But here’s the twist: not all of these old-school principles are useless. In fact, some might be worth dusting off and reconsidering.

Let’s take a closer look at eight of these rules—some we should toss, others we might want to rethink.

1. Stick with one job for as long as possible

This is probably the most common boomer mindset I’ve come across. The idea that job-hopping is reckless and loyalty to one company means stability and success.

Now, in a world where companies downsize on a whim and the average tenure in a role is about four years (if that), staying put just to prove loyalty can backfire. You could be underpaid, overworked, and passed over—simply because you didn’t move.

But here’s the part that still makes sense: sticking around can build deep expertise. It allows you to master systems, gain trust, and sometimes get opportunities that job-hoppers miss.

The key? Don’t stay just to stay. Stay if you’re growing.

2. Buy a house as soon as you can

“Renting is just throwing money away.” Raise your hand if you’ve heard that one before.

For boomers, buying a home was a cornerstone of adulthood. And sure, back when houses were $50K and interest rates were manageable, it made perfect sense.

Today? Not so much. The market’s wild. Wages haven’t kept up. And many of us are still paying off student loans.

But here’s what does make sense: building equity and having a place that’s yours. For those who can afford it, owning a home can offer stability—financially and emotionally. It’s just no longer a one-size-fits-all milestone.

Personally, I held off on buying until I was in my forties. And you know what? Zero regrets. I waited until it made sensefor me—not because someone said it was time.

3. Keep your personal life private at work

This one is a mixed bag.

Boomers were taught to separate work and personal life like church and state. Don’t share too much. Keep it professional. Never cry at the office.

Today, we’re more open. Mental health is part of the conversation. Vulnerability, once seen as weakness, is now often viewed as strength.

Still, there’s something valuable about having boundaries. Oversharing at work can blur lines and create awkward dynamics.

As psychotherapist Amy Morin once said, “You can be authentic without revealing every detail of your personal life.”

So yes, be real—but be discerning too. You can let people in without handing them the whole script.

4. Dress for the job you want

This phrase was practically a mantra for boomers. And while it might sound superficial, there’s a deeper truth behind it.

Like it or not, how we present ourselves matters. It influences how others perceive our credibility, competence, and even trustworthiness.

That said, the definition of “professional” has changed. Suits are no longer the gold standard. These days, dressing for the job you want might mean showing up in clean sneakers and a smart hoodie—if you’re in tech, for example.

I once mentored a recent grad who wore full business formal to a remote startup’s Zoom interview. Safe to say it didn’t work in her favor.

The real takeaway here? Dress with intention. Know your audience. Your outfit should reflect the energy of the job you want—not just mimic someone else’s uniform.

5. Don’t talk about money

This one drives me nuts.

Boomers often avoided money talk like it was taboo. Salary? Off-limits. Debt? Shameful. Budgets? Too personal.

But keeping finances in the dark has real consequences. It breeds inequality. It stops people from advocating for themselves. And it keeps harmful financial habits hidden.

I get it—there’s vulnerability in talking dollars and cents. But financial transparency is powerful. It helps us make informed decisions, set boundaries, and grow together.

Now, some privacy still matters. You don’t need to announce your salary at dinner. But let’s stop treating financial literacy like a dirty secret.

As financial educator Tiffany Aliche (aka The Budgetnista) says: “The lack of money talk has left too many in the dark. The only way to fix it is to turn on the lights.”

6. Always be polite—even if someone’s rude to you

Boomers were raised on manners. Say please and thank you. Don’t talk back. Respect your elders—even when they don’t deserve it.

While politeness is a social glue, there’s a downside to taking it too far. If you’re always polite, even when someone crosses a line, you risk being walked all over.

I used to say “thank you” after being interrupted in meetings. It was automatic. I was being “nice.” But it wasn’t getting me heard.

Being kind doesn’t mean being a doormat. You can be assertive and still respectful. There’s a difference between pleasant and people-pleasing.

Boundaries matter. Speak up when you need to. And if someone’s rude? You don’t have to meet them with a smile—you can meet them with clarity.

7. Save everything “just in case”

This rule might come from growing up with less—when scarcity shaped habits. Boomers held onto old cables, recipe clippings, and Tupperware lids “just in case.”

Today, this rule has morphed into clutter. Digital and physical. And if you’ve ever tried to declutter a boomer parent’s garage, you know what I mean.

But here’s the nugget of wisdom in it: preparedness.

There’s something grounding about having backups, emergency plans, and that extra roll of tape. It’s not about hoarding—it’s about being ready.

The balance? Keep what’s actually useful. Let go of what’s weighing you down. A backup flashlight is helpful. Fifteen broken chargers? Not so much.

8. Don’t air your dirty laundry in public

This rule was drilled in hard. Family issues? Keep them quiet. Personal failures? Keep it to yourself.

In some ways, that guardedness made boomers resilient. But in others, it led to generations bottling up pain and avoiding necessary conversations.

Now, vulnerability is having a bit of a moment—and rightly so. Sharing struggles can be healing. It can foster community, connection, and even accountability.

But there’s a line between openness and oversharing.

Before I hit publish on anything vulnerable, I ask myself: Is this processed or still raw? Am I sharing to help—or to vent?

Sometimes silence is strength. Sometimes it’s a cage. The trick is knowing which it is for you.

Final thoughts

Boomer rules often get a bad rap. Some feel rigid or irrelevant—and truthfully, some are.

But tucked inside many of these ideas is a core value: discipline, resilience, thoughtfulness. When we reinterpret these rules through a modern lens, they can still guide us toward a better life.

So the next time you catch yourself rolling your eyes at old advice, pause for a second.

Ask yourself: Is there a version of this that still serves me?

Chances are, there’s wisdom there—you just have to update the operating system.