Generation X Is Up Next — But Where Are They?

Quick Quiz:

Who knows when Generation X was born?
Answer: 1965 through 1984.

Who knows why they’re called "Generation X"?
Trick question!
Nobody really knows — maybe because they’re the most mysteriously underrated generation of them all.

Blame It On the Boomers... Kinda

Let’s rewind: The Baby Boomers (born 1946–1964) were all about peace, love, and, eventually... MBAs and IRAs. They focused on higher education, climbing the career ladder, and delaying marriage and kids. 
Which, frankly, makes sense — Woodstock didn’t exactly hand out parenting manuals.

The result? Smaller families and fewer kids. Enter: Generation X — the independent, latchkey kids of America.

So... Where Did All the Gen X’ers Go?

Good question. Gen X is smaller in size — nearly 10 million fewer than the Boomers. That means fewer Gen Xers are around today to take over the massive wave of businesses that Boomers are now preparing to sell.
And that is a big deal.

The Business Buyer Bottleneck

Let’s talk numbers (we promise, we’ll keep it fun):

Between 2018 and 2022, the largest group of Boomers hit age 65 — retirement time!
But during those same years, 23% fewer Gen X’ers were turning 45 — the age at which most buyers are ready to buy a business.

That’s a fancy way of saying:
     3 buyers
     4 sellers
     Not enough buyers to go around

We’re heading into the worst mismatch between small business sellers and potential buyers in modern history — and this trend could stretch for the next 20 years.

What This Means For You

• If you're a Boomer: Selling your business might take longer — or fetch a lower price — unless you plan and get creative.
• If you're Gen X: You’re in a rare power position — less competition, better deals, and more opportunity to step into ownership.
• If you're neither: This still matters. Business transitions affect jobs, local economies, and the heartbeat of communities across the country.

The future won’t wait. 
Let’s shape it together.

Pam Hargis
Certified Business & Executive Master Accountability & Growth Coach
Phone: 386-847-8028
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/pamhargis
Email: phargis@focalpointcoaching.com
Schedule a Call:  Calendly - Pam Hargis
Website: https://pamhargis.focalpointcoaching.com/