8 Friend Date Ideas That'll Actually Make It Out Of Your Group Chat

1. "Follow your dreams."

This phrase became a mantra for many Boomers, pushing the idea that pursuing passion and fulfillment in work should be a top priority. Unfortunately, that's just not realistic any more.

Sure, passion is important, but the reality is that dreams don't always pay the bills or ensure financial stability. Today, many people find themselves balancing passion with practicality by taking on side gigs, freelancing, or choosing careers that might not be their ultimate dream job but offer security.

2. "You can pull yourself up by your bootstraps."

Pulling yourself up by your bootstraps has long been hailed as the hallmark of self-made success. It suggests that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve greatness through pure hard work and determination.

However, younger generations agree that's just not the case in 2025. With growing economic inequalities, skyrocketing housing costs, and student debt, that proverbial bootstrap can feel pretty elusive. For many, the idea of pulling yourself up isn't as simple as working harder; it's a matter of having access to the right opportunities and resources.

3. "You can be whatever you want."

Again, just because someone wants to be a lawyer or doctor (and is willing to work hard) doesn't mean they can. Sure, the idea of limitless potential sounds inspiring, but it blatantly overlooks the systemic barriers that so many people face.

In the modern era, the road to success is often paved by factors beyond anyone's control, like access to education, family wealth, and even geography. The harsh truth is that "being whatever you want" is a lot harder with these obstacles in the way.

4. "Go to college, get a degree, and you'll be set."

It was once thought that a degree would immediately open the door to a stable, well-paying job and a secure future. While college education is still valuable today, it's no longer a guarantee of success, especially due to crippling student debt and a more competitive job market than ever.

Many graduates still find themselves underemployed or stuck in jobs they didn't really want. So, unfortunately, degrees are no longer surefire tickets to successful careers.

5. "You should buy a home instead of wasting money on renting."

Homeownership was a milestone viewed as a mark of stability and success. Meanwhile, renting was considered a temporary solution.

Even so, high home prices and interest rates, coupled with housing shortages, have left plenty of young people simply unable to buy their own property. Instead, renting has now become a long-term reality for many.

6. "It's taboo to talk about money."

Talking about income or other financial matters used to be considered tacky or inappropriate. Yet, salary transparency is more important than ever in 2025.

Wage inequality and pay gaps are major issues, and openly discussing money helps ensure people are fairly and equally compensated in the workplace. Many employees now recognize the power of sharing their salary as a way to hold their bosses accountable and help others negotiate better pay.

7. "Just save your money."

Anyone with a Boomer parent has probably been told that if they "just" set aside a portion of their income, they'll be set for the future. That's not true anymore.

With inflation and rising living costs, stashing cash away in the bank isn't enough to secure financial stability. Not to mention, many people can't even keep up with the increasing costs of essentials, let alone saving to build wealth. Instead, budgeting, investing, and strategic financial planning are essential for money management today.

8. "Settle down and start your family."

Last but not least, settling down and starting a family used to be viewed as the natural next step in adulthood. But this advice doesn't resonate the same with younger generations.

The pressure to settle down has been replaced with a desire to achieve personal growth, career advancement, and financial independence first. Also, starting a family isn't a one-size-fits-all goal anymore, especially amidst evolving gender roles and an increased focus on mental well-being. That's why more people are choosing a path that feels right for them as opposed to following a set timeline.

1. Warehouse Workers

Warehouse jobs, particularly those in large distribution centers for companies like Amazon, are at high risk of being replaced by automation. With the development of AI and advanced robots, companies are looking to automate tasks like order fulfillment, inventory management, and packaging.

Automation offers the advantage of 24/7 operation without the need for breaks or sleep, making it more efficient than human labor. Leaders like Elon Musk have acknowledged that making a full switch will be challenging. Nonetheless, the shift toward technology-driven warehouses is undeniable, and many traditional jobs will likely be transformed or phased out.

2. Librarians

Being a librarian was once viewed as a vital and secure profession. Now, digital tech has changed the way we access information, and with the rise of e-books, audiobooks, and online databases, fewer people are relying on physical libraries for their reading and research needs.

Plus, as books become more affordable and accessible, the traditional library model, which is centered around physical book rentals, is becoming less relevant. So, even though it's unlikely that libraries are going to disappear entirely, the role of librarians may shift toward digital management and online services.

3. Ride-Share Drivers

Drivers for taxi companies, as well as ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft, are facing an uncertain future as autonomous vehicles become more advanced. Self-driving cars, which are powered by artificial intelligence, are set to revolutionize the transportation industry and possibly eliminate the need for human drivers.

These vehicles will use apps to identify riders, calculate fares, and complete payments, all without any human intervention. This means the role of the traditional ride-share driver may no longer be necessary.

4. Customer Service Reps

AI and chatbots are increasingly replacing customer service representatives, too, as they're capable of handling a wide range of inquiries and issues. These AI-driven systems may offer faster and more efficient solutions and, in turn, eliminate long wait times for customers trying to speak to a human representative.

This, coupled with the fact that chatbots can operate 24/7, will help companies streamline their operations and cut costs. That's why many customer service roles are already being phased out.

5. Legal Secretaries

Even legal secretaries are facing threats due to AI-powered tools, which can handle tasks like legal research, document drafting, and contract management. These technologies are automating a lot of the routine work that once required humans and reducing the demand for legal secretaries in law firms.

Now, this role probably won't be completely replaced by AI. Even so, the automation of basic functions could still lead to lower overall staffing needs, particularly for paralegals and junior legal assistants.

6. Cashiers

Walk into your local supermarket, and you'll see that technology has already begun to take over traditional checkout processes. With the rise of self-checkout kiosks, mobile payment options like Apple Pay, and even cryptocurrency transactions, the need for human cashiers is steadily decreasing.

Retailers like Amazon have already introduced cashier-free convenience stores, and other companies may follow in their footsteps.

7. Referees

Not even sports fields seem to be safe from the rise of AI. In fact, referees are increasingly being sidelined as technology takes a more prominent role in officiating sports.

Systems like goal-line technology and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) have already proven that AI can make more accurate and unbiased calls than humans. Another appeal of automated officiating lies in its ability to reduce controversial decisions that spark arguments among players, coaches, and fans.

8. Translators

As AI-powered translation tools become more sophisticated, translators are facing stiff competition, too. These systems, which were once limited to basic word-for-word translation, are getting better at understanding context, tone, and nuance.

The improvement of machine learning will also allow for vast amounts of text across various languages to be processed simultaneously, increasing its accuracy. So, the demand for traditional translation services is expected to decline in the wake of faster and cheaper AI solutions.

9. Computer Programmers

AI-driven coding tools are advancing as well. Automated programming assistants and open-source AI libraries are streamlining many routine coding tasks, like debugging, code generation, and even basic software development.

Skilled developers will likely still be needed for complex problem-solving and other, more creative software design projects. But, developers whose roles focus on repetitive tasks may see reduced demand.

10. Dispatchers

Finally, human dispatchers may gradually be replaced by AI systems that can manage logistics, emergency responses, and customer inquiries. Things like advanced GPS tracking, automated scheduling, and real-time data processing allow AI to handle dispatch tasks with little human help.

Some cities have already implemented AI for non-emergency calls, slashing the need for human operators on the other end of the phone.

The company launched in a small Mississippi town in 2014 and is owned by siblings Retta Abraham and Menna Samaha. It's since become "one of the largest, cleanest Amazon-born skincare brands."

"LilyAna Naturals is proud to be a brand that operates from a place of goodness and love, centered on family and community, right down to the brand name – LilyAna. Lily and Ana Belle are the beautiful daughters of the husband and wife, who share the role of the Directors of Manufacturing Operations," the brand's website reads.

Some of their best sellers include anti-aging eye cream, retinol cream, charcoal face scrub, dark spot corrector, and multiple regimen kits. However, the latest product to take the internet by storm is the LilyAna Naturals Sea Moss Face Lift Cream.

Offered in 1-ounce or 1.7-ounce bottles, the formula is "enriched" with Bakuchiol, Sea Moss, Hyaluronic Acid, and Peptide Complex. Bakuchiol is a gentle and plant-based retinol alternative known for its ability to quicken skin turnover, enhance firmness, and even out skin tone. Meanwhile, Hyaluronic Acid and Sea Moss provide deep hydration for plumper-looking skin. Finally, the peptide complex helps boost skin elasticity for a smoother, more youthful appearance.

"Our face-lifting cream is made with natural and plant-derived ingredients, free from harsh chemicals, parabens, and sulfates. Experience visibly smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin with regular use," says the product's description.

If that sounds too good to be true, all you have to do is take a look at what shoppers are saying about the Sea Moss Face Lift Cream. It has over 13,000 reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.3 stars.

"I have tried a lot of moisturizers, from drug store brands to high-end, expensive anti-aging moisturizers, and for me, LilyAna is the only brand that delivers results, doesn't irritate my skin, and doesn't totally empty my wallet. I'm so happy to have found this brand! The face cream glides on smoothly and absorbs within a few short minutes. It is not greasy at all and my makeup sits on top of it beautifully. No strong odors or anything else negative I can think of!" one reviewer shared.

"High-end product with a drug store price tag! Customer service is bar none. This will forever be my go-to skincare company," seconded another.

"I searched for an inexpensive alternative to the high-end creams I was using. This was it, and I'm 100% hooked! I actually like it better than my expensive stuff," agreed a third.

Now, if you're sold on the LilyAna Naturals Sea Moss Face Lift Cream and plan to get your hands on it, it's recommended that you apply it evenly across your face, neck, and décolletage twice a day after cleanser and serum.