There are many perspectives out there on mature workers, and I represent one of them. Yes, I am mature, and yes I want to work. I do not plan on retiring ‘whatever that is’ as frankly I do not have that many hobbies to keep me occupied and as far as traveling, I have done my fair share and yes, I would like to see some more of this world but, the cost of just ordinary living is costing me enough. I am one of many, not only mature people, but also single in my personal life and I am finding it challenging to keep up with ordinary expenses. The corporate world, for the most part are basing their profitability on cutting margins and keeping employee numbers to a minimum and also keeping wages as low as possible. We all understand that, but what I find hard to deal with is that I find I am not valued as much for my maturity and experience in the work force.  Many mature former workers who retired early are going back to work, as they find they either need the income, or miss the working environment. Many others are finding there is only so much one can do to keep busy.

 

So, that is the dilemma. Many companies want people who have that maturity and experience but frankly where do we find them? I have put myself on every (almost) job search site, on many major company sites, and I submit over and over and nothing is happening.  I also find agencies want to box me into the area (i.e.) such as finance or banking as I have worked a lot for financial institutions. However, I want to work in something related, but different, and I have been interviewed for some jobs in that area but many of those are commission based, and I have regular bills and I need a regular salary. I am told I need a functional resume as I have such a vast and varied work experience. So, I did attempt to do that, and I also, at one time hired a resume writer to help me with the process. In the end I did not feel that either one represented the true me. I am unique, I admit it, one of a kind, I am not the type of person you can actually easily classify and that is the hard part. How to fit a round person in a square peg?  Hmmm. So what is one to do?

 

Well, personally, I am attempting to set up my own business focusing on the areas of life that are of personal interest. At this stage, I have to ask myself, if I really want to work for someone else? Do I fit in the regular working world anymore? So much has changed that in a way I do not fit, I like technology to an extent and I use it, but I also worry about its long-term effects on our humanity and our ability to be real in an ever-increasing disconnected, robotic world of business. Yes, it is about profits, but is that going to be at the expense of losing our ability to be human. So, I guess I have for me, answered and have the solution to my personal dilemma. I am going to start right now setting up my own business and follow my path. I have always cared about people and have been increasingly dissatisfied with the regular corporate world, so I move on to set up a business that represents real people in an unreal world.

by gale frost

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