The Wealth of Time

When Raad Ghantous suited up, polished a vintage 1966 Cadillac Deville convertible, and drove the mayor of Huntington Beach, California, through the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride this spring, he wasn’t just participating in a global motorcycle event. He was reclaiming time. That may sound lofty for a Sunday cruise, but for many Gen Xers, the way we volunteer, connect, and show up in our communities is less about checking a civic duty box and more about integrating joy, identity, and meaning into every hour of our lives. “The ride combined everything I care about: classic design, a great cause, local community, and just enough flair to feel like an experience,” Raad says. “It wasn’t about doing good in a vacuum. It was about doing something that felt like me.” That sentiment is increasingly echoed across Gen X. We were raised in the analog age and forged careers in a digital world. We grew up as latchkey kids and became independent, and now we’re raising kids, managing aging parents, and reimagining what life looks like at 50 and beyond. And for all our reputation as the forgotten middle child between boomers and millennials, Gen X is quietly rewriting what it means to use time well. Time as Currency, Volunteering as Investment According to Civic Champs, Gen X is one of the most loyal and dependable volunteer groups in the country. Nearly 29% of Gen Xers volunteer their time, compared to 23% of millennials and 25% of boomers. And while millennials are often lauded for giving digitally, Gen X leads in donating both time and money. But don’t mistake our loyalty for formality. “Gen X values efficiency, clarity, and relevance,” Civic Champs notes. “We want our time to matter—and we want to know how it’s being used.” Whether that means organizing a neighborhood cleanup with your kid’s scout troop, or showing up to advocate at a city council meeting, Gen X isn’t looking to retire from life—we’re designing our second acts with intent. Our time isn’t just spare; it’s strategic. The Shift: From Time-Starved to Time-Rich This generation was once defined by being too busy, racing from soccer practice to startup pitch meetings, fitting in workouts between spreadsheets. But that story is shifting. What we’re seeing now is a cultural pivot: Gen Xers aren’t just seeking balance; we’re seeking alignment. We’re learning to say no to hustle culture and yes to high-impact living—even if that means working fewer hours and spending more time walking, writing, riding, or wandering. “A rich life now looks like time with supportive friends and family, good food and travel. My core group of friends support and cheer each other endlessly, said Cynthia Gibbs, 51, who works as an aviation project manager. “Anyone not supportive isn’t part of the conversation. And gone is the dated mantra ‘a moment in the lips is a lifetime on the hips!’ Eat the good food, go for a walk, enjoy.”