7 overlooked skills boomers already have that Gen Z will pay to learn

Have you ever looked at someone from an older generation and thought, “They seem to have figured out some aspect of life I’m still struggling with”?

I’ve noticed this a lot recently, especially among people who belong to what we call the boomer generation.

These individuals have decades of experience, wisdom, and practical know-how that younger folks—even the most tech-savvy among us—could really benefit from.

In fact, I’d argue there are specific skills they already possess that many in Gen Z would gladly pay to learn.

I’ve seen it firsthand in work environments where older colleagues become informal mentors, or in online courses where the instructor’s age is an asset rather than a liability.

So, let’s dive into seven overlooked abilities that boomers typically have in spades, and explore why Gen Z is more than willing to invest time and money learning them.

1. Face-to-face communication that builds trust

With digital everything becoming the norm, face-to-face communication is turning into a lost art.

Don’t get me wrong, I rely on texting and video calls just as much as the next person.

But there’s something about real-life interactions that can’t be replicated digitally.

Boomers grew up in an era when a firm handshake and direct eye contact were standard practice, and the results speak for themselves.

They often convey trust and sincerity with just their presence, which can be a game-changer in negotiations or client meetings.

I remember watching an older family friend close a business deal. He didn’t rely on fancy slides or advanced analytics.

He simply walked into the room, made genuine small talk, asked thoughtful questions, and paid attention to every subtle cue.

He basically read the vibe in the room like a pro.

By the end of the meeting, his handshake was more convincing than a 50-page PowerPoint.

A lot of Gen Z professionals, despite being brilliant in other areas, never got the same practice.

The result? They often feel uneasy presenting themselves in a highly personal setting.

That’s why we see workshops focused on presentation and rapport-building sold out—many younger people crave those deeper human skills.

And who’s best equipped to teach them? That older colleague who spent years mastering the art of face-to-face.

2. Writing clear, concise emails (without an emoji overload)

We live in a world where Slack messages and TikTok videos rule the day.

As a result, being succinct and professional in written communications has taken a bit of a backseat.

Boomers, however, often spent decades corresponding via email when it was the primary mode of workplace communication.

They had to craft messages that were both polite and direct, especially before emojis and animated GIFs were an option.

I’ll admit, I’ve been guilty of sprinkling too many exclamation marks or emojis into an email—only to realize later that it looked a bit unprofessional.

Meanwhile, many boomers have that knack for clarity.

Their emails might not be the flashiest, but they get the point across with zero confusion.

Plenty of young entrepreneurs and recent grads would happily pay to learn how to write business messages that sound confident without being robotic.

In an era of quick-fire communication, taking the time to craft an email that nails the right tone can win clients, secure partnerships, and build trust.

As content creator Jeff Su says in an interview with Harvard Business Review, “Learning the unspoken rules of writing professional emails will affect how competent you are perceived to be in the eyes of your colleagues.”

For most boomers, this is a skill they can do practically with their eyes closed, no AI assistance needed. 

3. Navigating offline networking (when LinkedIn isn’t enough)

Online platforms have turned us into digital social butterflies, but let’s be honest—nothing beats the influence of an in-person network.

Boomers know how to make real connections at local events, conferences, or even community gatherings.

They tap into personal referrals and face-to-face interactions that carry weight in ways LinkedIn endorsements can’t replicate.

I learned this the hard way when I tried to expand one of my previous startups just through social media.

Don’t get me wrong, it helped spread the word, but at a certain point, personal introductions from a more seasoned mentor opened doors I didn’t even know existed.

The older folks in my circle had built up decades of goodwill in various industries.

A quick phone call from them often accomplished more than a dozen cold emails from me.

Gen Z professionals might be pros at building digital followings, but many are still exploring how to cultivate meaningful offline connections.

They want to learn how to approach someone at a networking event without feeling awkward, how to follow up in a way that leads to real opportunities, and how to sustain those relationships long-term.

That’s precisely where boomer wisdom shines, and it’s worth every penny someone invests in learning it.

4. Staying calm under pressure (developed over decades)

We all experience stress, but boomers have a life’s worth of practice in managing it.

They’ve navigated multiple recessions, shifting cultural landscapes, and massive technological changes.

And through it all, many of them have learned how to keep their cool.

I recall being frazzled when my start-up ran into its first major financial crisis. I was convinced the sky was falling.

That’s when an older mentor shared stories of weathering economic downturns in the 1980s and early 2000s.

Hearing how they survived—and even thrived—during those uncertain times gave me a blueprint for dealing with the stress.

They’d learned practical coping methods and mindsets you don’t just pick up overnight.

It turns out that Gen Z is highly aware of mental health challenges and is often willing to invest in learning techniques to handle pressure more effectively.

Whether it’s maintaining composure in a chaotic environment or simply pacing yourself through a busy workweek, older people who’ve navigated decades of life are well-suited to teach these valuable life lessons.

5. Resourcefulness in a pre-internet world

Sometimes I’m in awe of the stories boomers tell about how they used to find a job, start a business, or troubleshoot a problem—all without Google.

They had to rely on local libraries, personal networks, or a whole lot of trial and error.

In short, they had no choice but to be resourceful.

With every possible answer now just a few clicks away, it’s easy to forget that real creativity often starts where the easy solutions end.

Boomers can teach younger generations how to adapt when you’re lacking the perfect tool or instant access to information.

I’ve mentioned this before, but the ability to think on your feet and solve unexpected issues can be a bigger asset than any new piece of technology.

For instance, I once traveled to a remote area with spotty internet and no phone signal. In that moment, I had to rely on old-school problem-solving techniques—like asking locals for advice, drawing maps by hand, and physically searching for solutions.

People who grew up without the internet already have that skill hardwired, and it’s surprisingly profitable to know.

There’s a reason so many younger folks sign up for classes that promise to “build resilience in an offline environment.”

6. Patience for delayed gratification

In a world of instant streaming and same-day shipping, the value of delayed gratification can feel like a relic.

But patience has its perks—especially when it comes to achieving long-term goals.

Boomers are often experts at playing the long game, whether it’s investing money, building a career, or nurturing relationships.

I’ve met older entrepreneurs who spent decades building their reputation, perfecting their craft, and saving meticulously for their dream ventures.

They didn’t go “viral” overnight, and that’s partly why they ended up with more sustainable success.

This mentality is increasingly appealing to young folks who see how fleeting viral fame can be.

Learning to delay gratification is something that can be taught, and many younger people are eager to master it.

That’s why you see online courses on everything from building an investment portfolio over time to mastering self-discipline.

Boomers, who grew up in an era where you couldn’t get everything on demand, can serve as prime examples of why patience still matters—and how it pays off in the end.

7. Mastering the art of phone conversations

Believe it or not, making a proper phone call is turning into an uncommon skill.

I’ve noticed so many younger professionals get nervous at the prospect of dialing someone up for a serious chat.

But older generations are often quite comfortable handling lengthy phone calls, leaving voicemails that don’t sound robotic, and having real-time conversations without being stumped by awkward silences.

When I was first starting out, I’d avoid calling people directly because I felt more confident behind a keyboard.

Then I realized a quick phone call can save you days of email back-and-forth.

But it’s not as simple as just picking up the phone.

You need the right tone, timing, and clarity.

You learn how to read subtle cues in the other person’s voice and respond accordingly.

This sense of phone etiquette might sound trivial, but in fields like sales, customer service, or client relations, it’s gold.

In fact, professional development coaches often charge good money to help younger people get comfortable on the phone—teaching them how to pitch ideas, handle rejections politely, and close deals quickly.

Boomers did this for decades without a second thought, and they still excel at it.

That’s a skill for which many younger folks will happily pay a premium, because it leads to real-world results they can’t always achieve through texting alone.

Wrapping up

Boomers often get a bad rap for using methods that feel outdated in today’s world. But in reality, they’re a treasure trove of practical expertise and life-tested skills that younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are increasingly eager to learn.

From mastering phone etiquette to building offline networks to practicing delayed gratification, these abilities remain relevant—and in some cases, more crucial than ever.

So if you’re in that older age bracket, don’t assume your knowledge is obsolete.

Chances are, there’s a whole wave of younger folks looking for exactly what you have to offer.

And if you’re a Gen Z reader, maybe you’ve already spotted which of these skills could give you an edge in your personal or professional journey.

Until next time, friends.