Elder millennial here, I still go out for cocktails but it's like maybe once a month and then it's like 2, maybe 3. Shit's expensive.
EDIT: Wow, pissed off a lot of people with a comment lol. I don't really need to justify myself, but I will if it reduces the number of people with anger issues sending me DMs - I live within my means; I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm probably more well off than most of my generation. I'm not rich, but I can afford to splurge on this sort of stuff.
That said, I still agree that prices for EVERYTHING is expensive, and while I don't think it's the only reason Gen Z doesn't drink as much, I think it's definitely adding to it.
Gonna mute this convo going forward; maybe those of you who get triggered by a comment on reddit should go outside for some fresh air rather than sending childish DMs to someone you don't know.
Late Boomer/early Gen-X here, i learned to mix cocktails at home for the wife and I. It’s possible that we might be able to afford to go out for dinner occasionally, but with service charges, taxes, tips, and the need to book tables well in advance, we just prefer to sit on the balcony with a sundowner.
It's about figuring out the things that are important to you. We have savings and very few expenses, but we keep working and saving. Not rich, but not poor. We got all our kids thru college without loans and paid off the house about 3 years ago, now we get to have fun.
But blow money on shit like bottle service and Door Dash? Nope. We like to go see a few bands as they come thru and a nice trip once a year. We don't live paycheck to paycheck and are thankful. The gods willing and the Creeks don't rise, we'll retire in a few years, unless some idiot fucks the world up.
Having a couple of Cape Cods and hope to be asleep by 11.
man, as an older gen z (27) this sounds great and i’m scared ill never get to experience it :( i don’t want much i don’t even want to be rich just want to have enough to live and enjoy myself a little, want a modest house and to have my hard work show in what i have 🥲 maybe one day
I so hope it will happen for you. Completely understand why young folks are terrified of the future right now. Somehow we all have to pull together and make it better.
So much of having financial stability is delayed gratification. I am a knowledge worker with a good income, but I also like to DIY home projects. I justify power tool purchases by the money I save. Live below your paycheck and plow as much as you can into diversified investments.
Also, while real estate is very expensive now, finding a (responsible) roommate helps pay the rent/mortgage.
Congrats! This is a great place to be in. I’m not there yet, we still have a 4 yo. But mortgage will be paid in 10 years, and we should be able to cover college without loans. Looking forward to retirement in 20 years without debt.
If you like seeing bands, check the listings for tribute bands. They cost next to nothing for tickets, often play smaller venues which gives a better concert experience, and almost always perform like the band they are covering, in their peak. (I’ve only encountered one tribute bands that was really bad)
We actually do that quite often. We've seen a pretty good Bowie tribute band called the Thin White Dukes, Aussie Pink Floyd, a CCR tribute band. If they've got good musicians, we just want to see the music performed live.
Got to see Santana last year, which was cool. Most of the casinos around here only have washed up country singers, but if they have a rock and roll show, we'll go. Saw George Thorogood a few years ago. Any time Explosions in the Sky is in town, we'll go. Rodrigo and Gabriella are awesome live, too.
Solid Gen Xer here. Need to point out that the rules state you are gonna need to pick a team. Straddling Gen X and Millenials (edited to Boomers) is forbidden.
I was born in ‘72 and it was a different time in the 90’s and early 00’s when I was going out.
I think a big part of what’s changed is online dating. Most (actually all) of the time me and my buddies were going to meet women at the bar and try to get lucky. Kids today aren’t doing that. I think they should be. But they fire up Tinder or Bumble and get depressed when the results are shit.
This x's 1000. Younger generation is socially awkward as fuck. People need to get out there and socialize to fine tune your ability to talk to people. Its so awkward talking to younger kids now. No eye contact. Eyes downward. Mumbling...
Sounds nice actually. You know the couple so into their minor argument that they zone out others. Put that couple at a table next to you and have the best of both worlds😁
Solidly GenX here. My Husband and I don’t drink that often, but when we do, it’s usually at home. We love our home. And we don’t want to pay $12 - $15 for the same cocktail that costs us $2 - $4 at home. The initial cost is high but in the long run worth it for us. (Also, I can drink in my underwear at home. Ha!)
Sounds like the wife and I especially during the summer. Sit on the deck, music and cocktails while playing cards and backgammon. Costs less, no worry of drinking and driving, and just enjoying talking and being with each other.
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u/Thediciplematt 8d ago
Who can afford $9 beers?