I was thinking about…

The Evolution of DIY: How Gen X Embraced Self-Sufficiency

by Andy Lee

As Gen Xers, we’ve always been the figure-it-out generation. Growing up without the internet, we learned to tackle things ourselves. Whether it was fixing a leaky faucet, working on our cars, or handling home repairs.

It wasn’t about perfection. It was about getting our hands dirty. We made mistakes and slowly gained the skills to handle more complex tasks. Home repairs? We improvised with what we had and picked up tips along the way. Car trouble? We asked around or just dived in, learning through the process. Our methods weren’t always pretty, but they were effective, and they made us self-reliant.

Then came YouTube, and our DIY game leveled up. Suddenly, we had access to the kind of guidance we’d never had before. I remember my first brake job vividly. It wasn’t something I would’ve attempted without a detailed video showing me exactly what to do. It felt empowering to take on tasks like changing brake pads. It also felt empowering to lay down wood laminate. Video tutorials acted as an invaluable tool, not a crutch.

For us, YouTube became just another addition to our growing toolkit. It didn’t replace our self-sufficiency. It enhanced it, allowing us to learn new skills. We could tackle projects we might’ve once shied away from. What we learned from fixing one thing often translated into confidence and knowledge for the next challenge.

Looking back, it’s clear how much we’ve grown from those first DIY attempts. We tried to keep a beat-up car running in college. We also fixed up our first homes. Through these experiences, we became adept at problem-solving and self-teaching. That’s the beauty of being a Gen Xer: we’ve always been willing to try, fail, and learn as we go.

Now, with countless projects under our belts, we’re better equipped than ever to handle what life throws at us. YouTube might have made things easier. However, it never changed who we are. We remain resourceful, independent, and always ready to do it ourselves.

Stay curious, keep learning! 🔧📚