Game Plans for Work & Life

Wherever you work, have you ever considered what the place will be like in 10 or 20 years? Is it (or will it be) an employer of choice for the older, experienced worker?  Ask yourself key questions about your current work environment to get a feel for where you are vs. where you may want to be in the future. 
(1) Are work related interactions among experienced workers and new employees commonplace? 

(2) Do all levels of workers participate in company sponsored development opportunities?

(3) Do people of all ages enjoy working there?

(4) Is there a “we/they” mindset at work or do the majority feel “we’re all in this together.” 

(5) Do older workers recommend that younger people work there?

(6) Do older workers have flexibility to care for parents /grandchildren as younger workers have for child care? 

(7) Do people come and go in your company from both experienced and newer ranks? 

(8) Are older and younger employees teamed together for work related projects? 

These types of questions help to identify an age friendly work environment vs. one that succumbs to age discrimination.

There are many actions that can create a more age friendly work environment .  Experienced workers can play an important role to prepare for your own future while at the same time transferring pertinent knowledge to younger workers.  Take stock of these types of offerings, see what is currently provided or what could be implemented that would have the greatest impact on you and your co-workers. Then, determine the best way to proceed. Perhaps talk with a support professional at your workplace or implement the most desirable option with your colleagues on your own.  Remember that old expression  “If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me.”

Recognize the types of institutional memory you possess within your organization.

Launch a mentoring program where older workers pass on important knowledge, traditions and “how to” to younger workers.   
Talk with your human resource department about launching a retirement planning program to begin creating both a professional and personal plan of action. 

Establish a career counseling center (or partner with one in the community) to assist with job re-entry for part time work.
Talk with your human resource professional about partnering with business training programs to explore entrepreneurship, consulting, new business options for the future.
Develop a phased retirement option where older workers contribute on a part time basis; in essence, its an opportunity to try retirement on for size without making a commitment.
 Diversify work functions so experienced employees can update work manuals, record how to fix outdated equipment, meet with long term customers to determine how their needs have changed, etc.  
Explore opportunities to work from home, work part-time, or do temporary work after retirement.

This is the tip of the iceberg. Determine what would be most beneficial to you and your colleagues as you prepare for your future while also taking care of business.

Note from Joyce:
If you already have experiences related to this question, we’d love to hear them so send us a comment. 

QUESTION:  A reader inquired about returning to work after 18 years away while raising children.  She said, “I’m rather shy and that makes me even more nervous about interviewing with people I don’t know.  How can I get over this feeling and not appear lacking in confidence? I’m not that way with people who know me.”

ANSWER:  Good point and I’m glad you raised the topic.  Feeling shy is often a reason for avoiding certain types of work or working altogether unless the work is at home.  With the uncertain economy we’re experiencing, returning to work may be even more necessary.  Here are a few tips on how to achieve both goals: get back into the workforce and overcome the “shy factor.” 

First of all, understand that you’re not in the “shy boat” alone.  According to the Shyness Research Institute at Indiana University Southeast, 40% of the U.S. population think they are shy.  As a result, shy people tend to believe others observe and judge every move they make.  They feel if they don’t stand out, fewer people will judge them.  The syndrome gets complicated because, at the same time, they often berate themselves for not being confident and self assured. 

TIPS:

• You are who you are.  Your may always feel nervous but forcing yourself to reach out anyway is the key.  Toastmasters International, the organization that assists people in building comfort with public speaking, says “You may always have butterflies; just make them fly in formation.”  I value that quote and repeating it works in many situations. Here’s one I use occasionally:  “ I’m nervous, and I’m doing it anyway.  Butterflies, do your thing and so will I.”
• Be prepared ahead of time with several points you want someone to know about you .  Then find ways to weave those comments into the conversation.
• Have a few questions prepared that will get the other person talking.  This is true for both job interviews and for more social situations.  In this instance, the best kind of questions are those that can’t be answered Yes or No.  You want to get the other person talking.  This is good because most people like to talk about themselves and you can enjoy the conversation more as the listener.  A couple good examples are questions like “How would you describe what you do daily?” Tell me about a typical day.” Or, “What type of person is successful here?” and “Why do you enjoy the environment so much?”   Often, people in that type of conversation say afterwards, “She’s such a good listener.” Or, “He asks very thoughtful questions.”   
• Sometimes a more subdued, quiet personality is attractive to counter balance the strong personalities both at work and the social scene.  Being quiet and involved can be a very good thing.  That’s when people say, “he’s so interested, he’s interesting.”  

Lady Bird Johnson may have provided some of the best advice on shyness.  “Get so wrapped up in something that you forget to be shy.”  You might also benefit from attending Toastmasters meetings in your area.  Just log on to www.toastmasters.org, select Member sites across the top, choose Find meeting locations in U.S., zip code search,  input your zip code and get an immediate list of locations and times of Toastmasters meetings in your neighborhood.  They’re usually 1 day a week over the lunch hour or after work. Meetings are also listed internationally if you happen to be traveling.  Its affordable, valuable, and the sooner you launch, the better you’ll feel about yourself and your new or enhanced skills. As always, keep us posted on your progress. Just write a comment in the box.  We promise, no speeches necessary!