Boomers might not like it, but Gen Z is making sure these 14 things disappear for good.
Boomers had their time, but Gen Z is calling the shots now—and they’re not afraid to shake things up. The things older generations once embraced? Gen Z is tossing them aside without a second thought. They’re rewriting social rules, canceling outdated traditions, and refusing to play by anyone else’s standards.
Some say it’s progress, others call it entitlement, but one thing’s for sure: the world is changing fast. If you haven’t kept up, here are things they’ve officially banned.
1. If you’re still leaving voicemails, Gen Z thinks you’re officially out of touch.
Voicemails used to be the gold standard for missed calls, but Gen Z sees them as a total waste of time. Why listen to a rambling message when a simple text gets the point across instantly? Even worse, calling without a warning text first is borderline rude. If you’re leaving voicemails, don’t be surprised if they go unheard. Gen Z prefers quick, to-the-point communication—and if it can’t be typed, it’s not worth saying.
2. Tipping culture has gotten out of control, and Gen Z isn’t having it.
Tipping used to be reserved for great service, but now it feels like everyone wants a 20% tip for just doing their job. Self-checkout machines even have the audacity to ask! Gen Z is pushing back, questioning why customers should cover wages that businesses should pay. They’re ditching guilt tipping and calling out the companies exploiting it. If you own a business, expect some side-eye if you slap a tip screen on something that doesn’t deserve one.
3. Wearing skinny jeans is a dead giveaway you’re stuck in the past.
Once a wardrobe staple, skinny jeans are now a major fashion offense in Gen Z’s eyes. They’ve swapped out skin-tight denim for loose, baggy, and effortlessly cool styles. If you’re still squeezing into those spray-on jeans, don’t be surprised if you get a few judgmental stares. Gen Z’s all about comfort and flow, and anything that looks like it could cut off circulation just doesn’t make the cut anymore. It’s time to embrace the relaxed fit era.
4. The customer is NOT always right, and Gen Z won’t pretend otherwise.
Boomers were raised on the idea that the customer is king, but Gen Z isn’t bowing to rude, entitled behavior. They know their worth and won’t tolerate abuse for a paycheck. If a customer is unreasonable, they have no problem setting boundaries or walking away. They’d rather quit than be disrespected—and honestly, who can blame them? Businesses are learning the hard way that treating employees poorly won’t fly anymore. Respect is a two-way street, and Gen Z knows it.
5. Paying thousands for a college degree is looking more like a scam.
Gen Z took one look at student loan debt and said, “Yeah, no thanks.” They’re questioning whether a four-year degree is worth the massive price tag when trade schools, certifications, and online learning can offer great careers for a fraction of the cost. Watching Millennials drown in debt without a financial return has made them rethink the whole system. If college isn’t a guaranteed ticket to success, why should they go broke trying to get one?
6. Working 9-to-5 in an office sounds like an absolute nightmare.
Gen Z saw the remote work revolution and never looked back. Wasting hours commuting just to sit in a cubicle under fluorescent lights? No thanks. They value flexibility, work-life balance, and having the freedom to do their job from wherever they want. If a company insists on rigid schedules and outdated office policies, they’ll find another job that doesn’t. The old “face time” requirement is losing its grip, and Gen Z is leading the charge toward a new way of working.
7. Boomers love chain restaurants, but Gen Z finds them painfully boring.
Olive Garden, Applebee’s, and Red Lobster might have been family night staples in the past, but Gen Z isn’t impressed. They’re all about unique, local spots with real personality. Overpriced, microwaved meals from a corporate menu just don’t cut it anymore. If the food isn’t fresh, Instagram-worthy, or at least made by an actual chef, they’re skipping it. Chain restaurants are feeling the pressure to evolve, but for now, they’re struggling to win over younger diners.
8. Toxic grind culture is out, and setting boundaries is in.
Bragging about working 60-hour weeks with no time off? That doesn’t make you impressive—it makes you exploited. Gen Z isn’t buying into the idea that endless hustle equals success. They prioritize mental health, demand fair pay, and know when to say no. If a job expects them to sacrifice their well-being for a paycheck, they’ll walk away. Work should support life, not consume it. And they’re proving you don’t have to burn out to get ahead.
9. Splitting the check evenly is unfair, and Gen Z won’t play along.
Boomers love to just “split it down the middle,” but Gen Z isn’t about to cover someone else’s steak and cocktails when they only ordered a salad. They prefer to pay for exactly what they ate and drank, no more, no less. Apps like Venmo and Cash App make it easier than ever, so there’s no excuse for outdated group bill math. If you expect Gen Z to subsidize your meal, don’t be surprised when they speak up.
10. Phone calls are awkward, and texting is king.
Picking up the phone to make a call feels about as natural to Gen Z as sending a fax. Unless it’s an emergency, they’d rather text. Phone calls are seen as intrusive, time-consuming, and just plain unnecessary. Plus, why suffer through small talk when you can get straight to the point in a few words? If you call without warning, don’t expect an answer. Want a conversation? Text first—or better yet, just send a voice memo.
11. Buying a house is nearly impossible, so they’re not even trying.
Boomers act like homeownership is just about “working hard and saving,” but Gen Z knows better. Sky-high prices, stagnant wages, and crushing student debt make buying a house feel like a fantasy. Instead of struggling for a white picket fence, they’re redefining success—renting longer, embracing minimalism, and investing in experiences over mortgages. They refuse to be shamed for not “settling down” the way older generations did. The American Dream looks a lot different now.
12. Sticking with the same company for decades makes no sense anymore.
Loyalty used to mean something, but Gen Z saw what happened to workers who gave their all and still got laid off. They’re not interested in climbing a corporate ladder just to be tossed aside later. Instead, they’re job-hopping for better pay, benefits, and opportunities. If a company won’t invest in them, they have no problem moving on. Staying in the same job for 30 years? That’s not security—it’s settling.
13. Gendered dress codes are outdated and unnecessary.
Telling people what they can and can’t wear based on outdated gender norms? Gen Z isn’t having it. They’re pushing back on restrictive dress codes that police how people express themselves. Suits for men, skirts for women—that’s old news. They believe clothing should be about comfort, personality, and self-expression, not forced tradition. If a workplace, school, or event enforces unnecessary dress rules, expect pushback. Personal style is evolving, and Gen Z is leading the charge.
14. Owning tons of “stuff” isn’t the flex it used to be.
Boomers equated success with big houses, packed closets, and lots of “stuff.” Gen Z? Not so much. They value experiences over possessions, and minimalism is more appealing than clutter. Lugging around a lifetime of junk isn’t just expensive—it’s exhausting. They’d rather invest in travel, technology, and things that actually bring joy. Keeping up with the Joneses? That’s a game they never signed up for. Less is more, and they’re proving it with how they live.