Every generation carries its own playbook for how to “make it” in life.

For boomers, that playbook was shaped by a world of landlines, job stability, and a much slower pace of change.

Some of those rules still make sense today—but others? They feel like relics from another era.

Here are seven of the old-school life rules boomers still cling to, but younger generations can’t help but roll their eyes at.

1. Hand in your CV in person

I’ll never forget my dad’s advice before my first interview at a small music company. He told me, “Print your résumé on nice paper and hand it in at the front desk—it shows initiative.”

It wasn’t bad advice… in 1985. But in today’s world? Walking into an office with a printed CV might get you a confused look—or worse, security escorting you out.

Most hiring systems are digital now, with applicant tracking software scanning for keywords before a human even looks at it.

Sure, showing initiative is still important, but these days it’s more about networking on LinkedIn or sending a thoughtful follow-up email than physically delivering paper.

2. Dress in a suit and tie

There was a time when success was measured by how well your tie knot sat under a crisp collar.

For boomers, “professionalism” was basically synonymous with dressing up.

But in most modern workplaces, especially in creative industries and tech, a suit and tie can feel out of place. Mark Zuckerberg shows up in a hoodie, and plenty of CEOs embrace sneakers and jeans as the new uniform.

Dressing appropriately still matters—but appropriate now means fitting the culture, not forcing a three-piece suit into a casual office. 

3. Stick with one company 

For boomers, loyalty to one company was a badge of honor. Work hard, stay put, and the company will take care of you.

That rule worked when pensions were guaranteed and climbing the corporate ladder was straightforward.

But the landscape has shifted. Today, staying too long in one place can actually hurt your career prospects. As data shows, job-hopping every few years can lead to higher pay and more diverse opportunities.

Younger workers value growth, skills, and flexibility over gold watches at retirement parties. Loyalty is nice—but it’s no longer the smartest career strategy.

4. Buying a house as soon as possible

Boomers grew up with the mantra: rent is throwing money away. 

And this is not untrue. But, and it's a big but, back then, houses were far more affordable relative to salaries.

Fast forward to today, and that rule feels like a cruel joke. For many younger people, saving for a down payment feels almost impossible, especially in big cities.

Instead, renting can actually be the more practical choice. It offers flexibility, avoids surprise repair costs, and doesn’t tie you down when jobs (or lifestyles) shift quickly. 

5. Calling instead of texting

I love my parents, but they still don’t quite get why I’d rather text than call.

I suppose it's because them for them, the phone was the main lifeline of communication and old habits die hard.

For me (and most people under 40), a phone call feels almost… intrusive.

Texting allows for clarity, record-keeping, and respect for time. Plus, it lets us multitask in ways that calls don’t. 

Boomers see calls as more “personal.” Younger people see them as unnecessary unless it’s urgent. Different times, different priorities.

6. Never talk about money

One rule I remember hearing over and over growing up: “Don’t talk about money—it’s private.”

For boomers, discussing salary was taboo. But younger generations are breaking that rule wide open, and for good reason.

Open conversations about money—whether it’s salaries, debts, or investments—help level the playing field and increase knowledge. 

This backed by some pretty influential figures, too. As noted author and professor, Scott Galloway, “If you want to get better at money, you need to be willing to talk about it.”

Keeping money talk hush-hush? Outdated. Knowledge is power. 

7. Working harder is always better

Boomers often lived by the belief that the harder you grind, the better off you’ll be. Long hours were a badge of honor.

But here’s the thing: research consistently shows that productivity doesn’t increase past a certain point—it actually drops. A Stanford study found that output falls sharply after about 50 hours per week.

Younger generations are starting to prioritize balance, mental health, and meaningful work over endless hours.

Work smarter, not harder, has become the new rule—and honestly, it’s about time.

The bottom line

Boomers’ rules made sense in the world they grew up in. But times have changed.

Technology, the economy, and cultural values have shifted so much that many of those old-school rules now feel impractical at best, and counterproductive at worst.

That doesn’t mean we should dismiss the wisdom of older generations. Some lessons—like persistence, respect, and gratitude—are timeless.

But when it comes to how we work, live, and connect, rewriting the playbook isn’t just inevitable—it’s necessary.