Undoubtedly, this rotten economy has made it a time for myriad contradictions. No matter what subject, it seems, and there are multiple opinions about the current state of things and what the future has in store. It’s enough to say we don’t even want to get into the plethora of blame game opinions as to who is responsible for what part of this economic diaster.
But here the subject is older workers and the challenges they face it obtaining and maintaining employment. Recently, I read in the Wall Street Journal where some employers are holding on to their senior employees because they have experience, and experience is what is needed to survive in this economy. Rather than layoff the more expensive senior workers, employers are handing pink slips to the younger guys. There’s a switch.
The other major reason employers want to keep senior workers on the job is fear or discrimination suits. No employer wants a bevy of lawsuits on even a good day, yet alone at this particular moment. So there senior workers have an advantage. But when it comes to finding new employment, senior workers are finding age can be an issue. In fact, it is very much an issue. Or as one comedy writer associate of mine proclaimed the other night, “If you have gray hair, you are no longer funny.”
As for the younger workers, the article advises that they make themselves as valuable as possible. This is nothing new, frankly. It’s the usual stuff. Find influential friends on the job, come in early, stay late, keep your head down, etc. the article does advice, wisely, that it is smart to learn interdepartmental disciplines, hone your skills.
I would add for younger employees that they should watch what they write on their social networking pages. More than a few employers take umbrage with what they believe is not fitting for their corporate culture. So be careful. Also, be sure that you behave yourself so the background checks the Human Resources Department decides to run on you will not turn up the kind of records that could cost you a job.
As for the older workers, advisers say you should try to look younger. I would advise you not to overdue it. If you look too young for your years, you look stupid. And that bad hair dye job, forget about it altogether. If you have your haired dyed professionally, it may be one thing. But when you do it yourself and instead of turning the gray a nice brown, it has that rusty red look, well you not only aren’t fooling anybody, but you are calling more attention to your age. The main thing is to maintain your energy, your appearance, keep yourself trim, and don’t ramble on about the good old days. They were probably not so good for the person you may be working for, they were non-existent.
Check them out before you hire.
