Job Termination
Seasoned workers: Re-evaluating the hidden labourforceNo matter how you slice it, what was, just isn't anymore. BARBARA FRANK |
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 [ 2002-08-21 ] |
The papers were full of it -- commentary about Statcan's revelation that our nation is getting older, telling us that the median age of workers is rising, reminding us that we're living longer, and at the same time, we're retiring earlier (or trying to).
We boomers are a vain bunch, and when things don't go according to plan, we feel shafted. Just when we were about to retire, POOF! The technology sector collapsed and our investments vaporized. And at the same time, the company where we invested a life of sweat equity uncovered an accounting "correction" that wiped out our jobs.
Reality. What a concept. Here we are, supporting elderly parents and subsidizing costly children's educations, trying to figure out how to re-enter the new world of work.
Because of the ratio of boomers to busters, "there are three times as many people leaving the workforce as entering it", says Shannon Jackson, supervisor, Canadian recruitment services for Manpower.
That means that huge chunks of knowledge, experience, skills and loyalty are being put out to pasture, leaving the "day care gang" to pick up the pieces.
At the same time, it appears that the baby busters have replaced the career-for-life paradigm with a self-centered work ethic and an average job "commitment" of only 18 months.
Where do we grow from here?
It's a topsy-turvy world, begging for structure and stability. Wisdom, vision and commitment have been undervalued, leaving the youthful, energetic dot-coms enough rope to hang themselves. Now that they're gone, it's time to revalue wisdom and experience as an asset on the balance sheet.
Mature workers have a solid work ethic, experience and judgment. Yet for some reason, employers are reticent to recognize a solution right under their noses -- and the solution, seasoned seniors, still suffers from the "make room for youth" paranoia of previous years.
Gone are the days of sending a resume and waiting for a call. Today's resume is sucked into a black hole, leaving the sender discouraged and lost. An HRDC study identified a lack of job search services to support our disheartened 45+ers, leaving us "floundering in e-mail land", according to Mary Ann Godin, co-ordinator of the Centre for Education and Training.
Godin and facilitator colleague Juliette Mackason are specialists in the 45+ Experienced Worker Program, an HRDC-funded initiative that helps clients think outside their boxes. "When clients start the program, they're depressed and disappointed -- and scared," Godin observes.
"The frustration and financial fear is tremendous. But the 45+ and its sister program, Career Exploration, allow growth and healing. If you find yourself out of work, it's very cleansing to reflect and re-evaluate," Mackason explains. "The transfor-mation during and after the program is amazing!" she adds.
Manpower's Jackson offers a welcome positive spin on the 45+ job market. "People in this group know how to get things done, and companies need this ability." Jackson works with individuals and companies to open doors and facilitate new partnerships.
"The market for experienced, capable, responsible workers is exciting, because the 45+ group has these qualities and is anxious to apply them," according to Jackson. What it takes is introspection, creativity, a positive attitude, and networking -- and a willingness to come up with a fresh "you". In today's economy, "temporary employment can be a strong fit for the semi-retired lifestyle. Re-examine your marketable assets and open your mind to new possibilities," she recommends.
Since its inception in 1948, Manpower continues to provide permanent and temporary employment opportunities. Among its other services, Manpower offers free training so job searchers can acquire specific skill sets that groove with today's economy. This brings them up to par with younger, more technical applicants. Combining these new skills with their years of commitment, management, vision and wisdom, today's experienced worker is perfectly positioned to help Canadian businesses grow.
If you're 45+ and in transition (and who isn't, these days?), it's reassuring to hear those three little words we all long to hear, "I need you".
If you want to feel needed, contact Manpower at www.manpower.ca or, for professionals in finance, IT, and engineering, at www.manpowerprofessional.ca. Jackson welcomes inquiries from job seekers at shannon.jackson@na.manpower.com. Visit the Centre for Education and Training at www.tcet.com or contact Godin at mgodin@tcet.com.
(Barbara Frank is a corporate trainer, public speaker and communications specialist and president of Business Buffet, the Help-Yourself series. She can be reached at info@businessbuffet.com or visit the Web site at www.businessbuffet.com.)
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