Well. "Making the news" is maybe hyping it a bit. Let's say we're being written about. In fact let's be really honest... they're sending out more of those warnings. You know? The impending catastrophy warnings that liken us to carbon emissions ...over-fishing ....recycleable plastic packaging!
I came across that scary prophesy in this month's Professional Manager. To be fair it was part of an article dealing with the need for employers to come to terms with an ageing workforce. The author points out that currently 1.4 million people are working past the retirement age, and happen to represent the fastest growing group in the labour market. The point is well made that despite age discrimination laws being introduced, businesses are not really taking age management seriously enough.
The other piece came from Daily Finance and appropriately dealt with the financial implications. In this case quoting Age UK's figures that
"an estimated 120,000 people were forced to retire in 2009, "draining" billions of pounds from the country's economy.
"Forcing older workers (65 - 70) to retire cost the UK economy £3.5 billion last year, including £2 billion in lost earnings."
Their main argument was to abolish the default retirement age in a bid to end forced retirement, claiming that 9 out 10 workers support this idea.
So lots of worthy bodies on the case on our behalf. Is there anything we as indivdual "wrinklies" can do to help ourselves? One thing for sure. Don't over-do the experience thing!
I've learnt that lesson...being lucky to work with a group of young creatives. Always eager to present themselves as young and trendy (it is allowed.) They are politically in-correct...bless 'em! My senior moments are never allowed to go tactfully un-noticed. And I've learnt to avoid any "Uncle Albert During the war" remarks!
Experience emerged as the thread in responses to a question I recently posed to the C.M.I. Discussion group on Linkedin. Suggesting that there could be one golden talent by which dormant greys should promote themselves...the responses said "not so!" Experience is seen as our edge but how we articulate it is key...particularly within a youger peer group. Have it available as a potentially useful in-sight that can be offered when sought.... but only after curiosity ...open-mindedness ...adaptability ...enthusiasm....have been shown first.
So here's the plan. We help employers forget about age...by not going on about our years of experience!
Because unless we continue to be attractively employable....it won't be global warming making the headlines in 20 years time...
"Supermarket chaos...pension day trolly grid-lock brings nation to standstill!"
"Bus company goes bust as free-pass passengers reach 90%!"
"Government turn to IMF to bail out pensioner's winter fuel allowance deficit!"
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