Boomers: Is there job security after 55?
Retirement plans have been hurt by the recession; home values have fallen; and savings have dwindled. Is it any surprise that people are postponing retirement and hoping to remain with their employer for years to come? Over 40% of people 55+ are in the workforce today, the highest level in 35 years and many, if not most, are clinging to their jobs. Are their jobs at risk? Is yours?
Your job may be at risk if
- You report to a boss that is 20 years younger
- New hires are in their 20s and 30s.
- You have not participated in training to upgrade or add to your skills in the last 5 years.
- The company is considering a merger.
To reduce risk of seeming expendable
- Upgrade your training and education. Take a course at a local university. Attend a conference in your field. Find free college courses online at http://ocw.mit.edu/index.htm or www.openculture.com/freeonlinecourses
- Read professional journals related to your field so that you know (and can talk about) trends, new breakthroughs, etc.
- Become active in your professional organization. Join a committee. Give a presentation. Get on the board.
- Seek out ways to add value; improve a process, identify a problem/solution
- Provide support to others whenever appropriate as a colleague...not a parent.
You have more control over outcomes than you may realize. There is no lifetime job security but there is career security. Each of the suggestions above will add to your value within the organization and to your re-employability should you find yourself in a transition. Start right now!
What one thing could you begin to do today?
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