Job Termination

Looking back for the future?

"The current 50-plus workforce is the best trained and educated we have ever had".

BERYL PAINTIN
[ 2007-08-16 ]

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(Comstock)

This recent statement from David Angus, President of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, was an absolute joy to read. It could have been taken verbatim straight out of my brain.

So, based on my hard-earned reputation of repeating myself over and over again on this topic ... stand back -- here she blows again!

Convenient foods and gadgetry aside -- are we really doing things better now than we did 40-50 years ago?

In a few instances -- maybe, but there's one major hurdle still needing to be removed from our current workplace mentality, and several other places for that matter, and that's age discrimination.


Whether for financial reasons or for personal gratification, there are many seniors eager to share their skills and experiences in the workplace, yet still, far too many are having to take jobs far below their capabilities.

Unfortunately, the current obsession with the adulation of youth and beauty doesn't help matters either.

Far too often, highly qualified older job applicants are passed over for younger, attractive, and albeit less qualified, persons.

Then there are the older workers who silently endure being treated with little respect by co-workers (thankfully not all of them) who, when having to deal with someone with grey hair and an alternative view of life, can only roll their eyes and heave a deep sigh of exaggerated tolerance.

So, how much longer is it going to be, and what's it going to take, before those who want to continue working past retirement age are afforded the acknowledgement and respect that they so richly deserve?

This is a question that can no longer be ignored; it's not only discourteous to seniors to keep brushing it aside, it's also downright ludicrous.

Education, in any form, is a privilege that should be made readily available to all. What better gift to a bright, enthusiastic young person, than to learn on-the-job from the greatest teacher in the world -- experience; and as a bonus, not be weighed down with thousands of dollars of student loan debt.

Sound too good to be true? Not really, it's just plain common sense.

Of course, not every senior wants to continue working, but many can't afford to retire without struggling to keep their heads above water.

When inflation hits, price increases are straight across the board, regardless of individual income. And needless to say, you can bet your shrinking dollar that the average pension is way behind keeping pace with the rising cost of living.

Just as an observation -- there are approximately 40 people champing at the bit on Mayor Sammy's proposed Senior Advisory Council list and I've got my fingers crossed (please note -- not holding my breath!) that this will be high on the agenda when all the councillors get back from their holidays. I can hardly wait to see if this will materialize, or be sat on until it's too late -- literally!

Bottom line ... employers -- if you have a job that needs doing, and it pays well -- give a senior a chance. There are numerous skilled people out there who are ready, willing, and more than able to do it!

Who knows, we may even start seeing Made in Canada on a few labels again!



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