Older Workers Are Just As Keen On Learning

As Younger Workers

by Adi Gaskell at forbes.com

With the Age Discrimination in Employment Act coming into force back in 1967, the notion of age discrimination has a long history. Unfortunately, it’s an issue that we still grapple with today, and whereas it’s easy to assume it’s only a problem for those in and around retirement age, a survey from Senior Living suggests it can kick in as early as our 40s.

    The research, which saw over 1,100 Americans over 40 years of age quizzed about their workplace experiences, and particular any discrimination they experienced, found that biases kick in relatively early in terms of recruitment, promotions and compensation.
 

Americans are living longer, are healthier at older ages, and increasingly are working beyond the traditional age of retirement. While many who work until late in life do so to stay active and connected or for other nonfinancial reasons, others work out of financial need. Owing to a variety of factors including changes in the structure of private retirement benefits, an increase in the eligibility age for claiming full Social Security benefits, and stagnant wages in recent decades for those at the bottom and middle of the earnings distribution, a large share of older Americans lack adequate savings for retirement.

I recently participated as a guest speaker in a stimulating virtual career chat with the PRSA Orlando Chapter, and one of the questions posed to me during the conversation got me thinking. What should you do if you’ve been laid off during this COVID-19 era, have sent out numerous applications and you’re just running out of ideas? 

    Don’t give up. Let’s review some ways to get back in the game with your job search!
 

You may have heard of the term “ghosting” regarding dating, but it also applies to a lack of communication after an interview. The classic phrase “ghosting” refers to a sudden lack of communication. No emails, no calls, nothing…

    You sent in your cover letter and resume and were immediately called for an interview… The interview ended with the hiring manager telling you they will be in touch.

    One week goes by, then two, then three. Nothing.  No emails, no phone calls, no communication.
 

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There has always been a lot of discussion about morning vs night person; habits of effective people; hitting the ground running, etc.

    No doubt there may be something to that. Sophisticated scientific studies by leading psychologists have examined this phenomenon very closely and found many interesting conclusions.

    According to the BBC, “Research shows that morning versus evening types show a classic left-brain versus right-brain division: more analytical and cooperative versus more imaginative and individualistic.” Of course, the report goes on to say that most people are little bit of both – morning and night.

    Many experts claim that starting your day strong creates momentum that can determine how your entire day goes. That’s as good as it goes. The BBC report also states trying to change from a night person to a morning person may not be a good tactic, “Overhauling your sleep times may not have much effect” on your performance.

    For most people change comes gradually. One technique for speeding up the process is called “habit stacking” where you take one habit that you already have and try to attach something else to it. 

    For example, if you want to get into the habit of checking your LinkedIn account more frequently, you might try attaching it to something that you regularly do, such as checking your email. Every time you finish checking your email, check your LinkedIn account as well.

    At the end of the day (no pun intended), you are what you are. Reports show that our circadian rhythms are 47 percent inherited.