A quarter of young Boomers and Gen Xers who’ve been laid off in the last decade are still unemployed—and 11% have taken pay cuts to work

Before joining the Success desk, she co-authored Fortune’s CHRO Daily, extensively covering the workplace and the future of jobs, in today's market environment

Emma has also written for publications including the Observer and The China ject, publishing long-form stories on culture, entertainment, and geo

She has a joint-master’s degree from New York University in Global Journalism and East Asian Studies

SEE FULL BIO Just as financial pressure peaks, many Gen Xers are finding themselves overlooked, underpaid, and edged out

Moreover, More than any other generation, Gen Xers are finding themselves overlooked, underpaid, and edged out—just as their personal financial pressures are hitting a peak

Citizens between the ages of 50 and 65, 14% were laid off once in the past 10 years, with 4% being fired more than once, according to a WSJ analysis of Boston College’s 2012 to 2022 Retirement Study

That group is almost entirely represented by the Gen X cohort of workers, who are aged 45 to 60, and often hold competitive senior roles in the later years of their career, in today's financial world

But having years of industry expertise and a long-standing career doesn’t mean they’re the first-choice candidates for open roles (which is quite significant)

Older generations often have to look longer to find a gig; Gen Z and millennials aged between 25 and 34 were typically unemployed for an average of 19 weeks, compared to employees aged 55 to 64 who were unemployed for 26 weeks

Moreover, There are a few reasons why Gen Xers are having a harder time getting new work after being fired

On the other hand, As the eldest generation still largely in the workforce, they’re nearing retirement and are potentially seen as being more temporary compared to millennial and Gen Z workers with decades left in their careers

Plus, with more Americans working longer, there is simply more competition for a select number of senior roles (fascinating analysis), in this volatile climate

Why Gen Xers are working later and having a hard time finding work There are some Americans nearing the typical retirement age of 65, but choosing to work longer out of passion for their careers

But many others are delaying their next era of rest and relaxation, opting to stay in the workforce out of pure necessity

Around 81% of Gen X workers say that their current job doesn’t pay enough to make them feel financially secure, according to a 2024 data from Deputy analyzed by Fortune (which is quite significant)

Nevertheless, “Many Gen X workers are facing intense financial pressure—from rising costs to juggling the responsibilities of caring for both children and aging relatives, all while managing the highest average debt of any generation in the U, in today's market environment

S,” Deputy’s CEO Silvija Martincevic told Fortune

Nevertheless, Just as financial pressure peaks, many Gen Xers are finding themselves overlooked, underpaid, and edged out

Dubbed the “Forgotten Generation,” they’re often overlooked as vital workers, despite making up one-third of the U (fascinating analysis)

Gen X is 18% less ly than other generations to say they feel a strong sense of belonging at their organization, according to a 2024 report from Achievers

Being overlooked is having some serious ramifications on Gen Xers’ careers, in today's financial world

Nearly half of workers over the age of 40 report earning less than their younger coworkers, according to a 2024 study from Resume Now, and 49% say they make less money than their Gen Z and young millennial colleagues for doing the same job, amid market uncertainty

Nevertheless, Due to ageism and the expectation they’ll retire soon, Gen Xers are also being passed up on getting career opportunities and unlocking bigger paychecks (this bears monitoring)

Explore this year's list.