In these rough economic times, employers should be looking for workers who will be loyal, responsible and knowledgeable about life. That is why they should look to the older worker.
Although education is very important, it cannot take the place of life experience. No one can learn how to defuse a tense situation by reading about it. Sure, there are lots of books, videos, classes, and seminars on doing just that but, when it comes right down to it, actually going through such an experience is quite different from what is in the book.
No two experiences are alike, whether it is calming down an irate customer, supervising an unhappy co-worker or trying to get that great account. Employers should want people who have actually survived these experiences and emerged with the knowledge of how to handle and adapt to such circumstances.
NO ONE has any guarantees on life—how long one lives, sudden illnesses, family emergencies, accidents, etc. Look at it this way—an older person usually has fewer family issues to deal with, is more careful and less accident prone that in the “show off” years of youth and most are in better physical shape and healthier than their youthful counterparts, simply because they have learned how to take care of themselves. Many older people work far beyond their retirement years, some for the money, yes, but others because they feel they are still useful and are willing to stay through thick and thin. Feeling useless is devastating.
Older employees usually show more respect, even to supervisors who are much younger and less experienced. Instead of “ratting out” these people, they are more than willing to help, enabling the supervisors to make better impressions their bosses. They are not into “office politics” as much as the younger folk and know that “kissing up” never does any good in the long run. Yes, it may help at the time promotions are coming up, but it lowers morale and sabotages competition, generally making an unhappy work place that shows the customers something is wrong and making them less likely to return to do more business.
Also in these times, many older people are returning to school to further their education, learn new skills and keep their minds active. Many people have reached the limits of their present positions and go back to school to be able to get the promotions, keep up with the latest technology or simply try something new. Unlike the youth who have just finished school, they are not “burned out” on education and actually do better in classes than the first time around. There is no need now to be the BMOC. No need to show how much partying you can do, no need to try to impress the ladies, or gents. All the “freedoms” from being on one’s own are not new and exciting anymore.
Many older workers are not looking for more money, although it is nice to have. They are satisfied with the money and benefits and will be less likely to go “job hopping”, trying to find the most money for the least amount of work. Does that seem unfair to the youngsters? No—they need to go to the “school of hard knocks” just like we did. How they handle the experience determines what type of person they will grow up to be.
In short, if you are looking for someone who will be dedicated, dependable, knowledgeable and willing to learn in order to be more productive, hire and older person. I can’t stress that enough. You will be glad you did.
