Towards the last few months of 2009, I began thinking about my life and how viable am I now that I am a lot closer to 60 years old. By nature, I didn't really think about my age until I started to encounter what I perceived to be some ageism. I don't like to think that I am being written off because of my age but I do believe that businesses are getting older folks off the ledger due to higher healthcare costs, salaries, and experience level.
So what's a person to do? Heck, after the past recession years retirement is not an option, besides I do want to work and contribute. But the signs are growing in intensity that age is a definite factor in hiring. The flip side to this is under-employment, the case in which the person is over qualified for the job and hired at a significantly lower salary with the expectation that past skills will be tapped into. Ah, the ever helpful employee with vast arrays of experience at an entry level rate.
Competing with "new millennials" is ridiculous. They bring a fresh look to the scene. Without any practical experience, who guides the youth through the process of expanding horizons?
At this point in my career, I still want the excitement of a challenge. I want the satisfaction of creation, nurturing an idea and bringing it to fruition. Age doesn't seem to affect the output of writers, poets and politicians.
This blog is about rediscovering life's purpose for personal goals and value added experience. Remember in the 1960's when the fear mongers said "Trust no one over 30". Today's mantra is more like "Grey Heads Are Invisible." Are you invisible or are you very present?
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