When You Get to a Certain Age... A Cautionary Tale

Recently I have watched friends and family members working through similar challenges.  After many years of service at the same job, we can get frustrated with office politics and things that never seem to change for the better.  Sometimes we just get tired of doing the same things over and over again.  Sometimes we get frustrated with higher management who are not good at listening, or who are too far removed from the realities of the jobs they supervise.  Sometimes we are assigned to work with someone who just drives us crazy!  Sometimes we are ready to pitch it all and find something else.

Before you take a big leap, tell the boss what you really think, or submit that letter of resignation, here are some points to consider: 

• You may currently have seniority in the company.  If you leave the company, you lose your seniority.  If your salary or wages have grown over the years, you may find that new employers are offering less money for similar work.
• You may have a pension, savings plan or stock option tied to your job.  Look carefully at how these are handled if you leave the company.
• While you were busy doing your job, a new generation of younger people have received up-to-date training, and are now viable competition for jobs you are considering.  Employers are looking for the best candidate. They may be looking for new ideas, energy and employees they can mold to the corporate image.
• You know the value of your experience.  Many employers give this less credence than you might expect.  Have you also kept current in your field through ongoing training and upgrading?
• Your age can be seen as a liability.  How soon do you intend to retire?  Employers are often looking for someone who shows potential to contribute to the company for many years.
• Many employers limit their search to people who have a Masters degree.  If you keep bumping up against this 'invisible ceiling,' consider enrolling in a Masters program that can be done through a combination of evenings, weekend and online classes.  It is expensive and an investment of your time, but may be your ticket to the job you really want.

I'm not telling you to give up and stick with your current job.  I am suggesting that you try to be realistic in your expectations, and keep your eyes and ears open.  Be ready in a job interview to show specific examples of value you have given to your current employer, both historically and recently.  Be ready to talk about your commitment to add value to your new potential employer for many years to come.

Most importantly, do everything you can to stay employed until you have a signed contract for a new job.  If conditions demand that you leave your current job immediately, you must be prepared for the possibility of many months of hard work finding a new position.  Every situation is different, so prepare as well as you can, and keep working at it every day until you find a job that works for you.