There is something wrong here...

I have had a wonderful life full of many experiences. Some unbelievable and some not so good, but each one has made the person I am today. Some were lessons learned and actions not to be repeated,yet they are what they are and I am richer for it. I have worked hard my whole life, not because I had to struggle- it was my choice. I worked at jobs I hated, loved, and just did for a paycheck when I wanted to raise my children in a comfortable life. The one thing I always believed was that you got what you put into the job. Whether it was just the check to pay the bills or the promotion or new job offered instead. I did my 100+%, because that is who I am. I practiced what I preached and went back to school for a degree, and took every chance to become better then I was yesterday. Unfortunately, I see more and more as I get older there are other agendas at stake. Whether it is companies bringing in new blood, cutting costs and benefits by farming out long-timers, or just people who believe younger is better and move over, Grandpa! There is something wrong here when a person's self-worth is jeopardized by the next new thing or employee. Suddenly, regardless of past performance (or even a current position) and employer is not willing to invest in supporting or training and worst case scenario demote or eliminate the job from under them. I always hesitated telling people my age. Not because I am ashamed of it- it was more what people did with that knowledge. We all do it, assume we know who other people are. Too young, they are inexperienced or immature. Too old, they are set in their ways and not willing to do new things. The same thing happens when someone is stricken with a disease. Any problem blame it on being too fragile, incompetent, or infirmed. The trouble is that not one person in this world will escape without getting old unless they prematurely die. Each one who is employed will reach a point where they have run the gamut in their profession. In today's society, if you are lucky to have a job, you are most likely going to have to work longer than your employer or you really want to. This does not mean you are done being a contributor in the workforce or not willing to take on more charitable pursuits as a volunteer. The breakdown arises when financially the company sees you as cumbersome and you still need a livelihood. Nothing personal (just personnel, right?). Personally, I have some great dreams for the future, but that future does not start until my mortgage is paid off and school loans are retired. So, for the young whipper-snappers who think things will be different when 20 years down the line you are in the same boat- think again! They won't be. Be kind to us old folks and recognize who we are. We still are smart, creative, hard-working and effectively contributing to whatever organization we work for, just like you. In an instant, you can be replaced, edged out, or humiliated by a new kid on the block, whether it be your rival or supervisor, who cannot see that younger is not always better. Until next time...