Stay Young! No One is Recession-Proof
No one — let alone no generation — is recession-proof. That’s why baby boomer Mary Cullen thinks it’s important to stay young, think young, and communicate young! Because as boomers are working longer, they have to enhance their skills and maximize their options.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of workers aged 55-64 is expected to rise by more than a third between now and 2016, but an even more dramatic surge will be among workers 65 and older, who are expected to increase in the workplace by an incredible 83 percent.
Career development sites are already reflecting this trend: Nielson Wire reports visits to career development websites grew 20 percent this year overall (not surprising, given the economy), rising by 41.4 million visitors in January 2008 to just under 50 million in January this year. There was a significant surge in visitors 65 and older, increasing 41 percent.
Clearly, older baby boomers want, or need, to work longer than traditional retirement age. The lesson? Be wise and continually improve your skills — including business writing skills.
One area where older workers sometimes lag behind younger workers is in experience with communication technologies. Comfortably navigating social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn is a necessary skill.
So, if you are not yet using any social networks, it’s wise for career growth to at least familiarize yourself with them, to keep your communication skills current. Here are links to help you get started on the most valuable networks for business professionals:
A word of caution though, in case you don’t already know it: anything you post in social networks echoes long and far. Boomers have the great Darwinian advantage of well-honed career skills, so are unlikely to make the gaffes younger workers sometimes make … but be careful.
Another lesson, about such gaffes: a would-be Cisco employee likely lost a job offer, after posting this comment on Twitter: “Cisco just offered me a job! Now I have to weigh the utility of a fatty paycheck against the daily commute to San Jose and hating the work.”
Add communication technology skills to your already extensive experience and skills, sidestep pitfalls, and you will more likely find meaningful work and thrive in your career choice. If work is not in your plan, at least you’ll stay better connected with family and friends.
Cheers to a long and prosperous career!
Mary Cullen is based in Princeton, NJ.
Her Web site is http://www.instructionalsolutions.com/
Her blog site is http://blog.instructionalsolutions.com/
Filed Under: Baby Boomers • Career & Work • Featured Story • Mary Cullen
Some pretty sound advice…and keeping skills, being computer savvy are extremely important. I do get a little tired of all the social networks…and know one has to focus on one or two, or you will be working them all for hours.
THe benefits..I am not totally sold…ALso keep in great shape. Eat well, get sleep, exercise and LOOK GOOD. There is a lot of competition out there.
Thanks for the helpful article. It’s daunting thinking about looking for a job when you’re in your sixties.
I’m on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn but haven’t used them in terms of networking for a job. I use Facebook to keep up with family and friends. Twitter, which I signed up for a few weeks ago is offering helpful information on consumer topics. I follow Consumer Reports, The Consumerist, FDA Recalls, Food Safety, Public Citizen, and other tweets that offer information for my blog The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide. I also follow the ProBlogger.
Rita
I beg to differ with the title of the article. No one is recession proof if you income is dependent on a traditional job working for someone else. However you income can be recession proof if you understand and utilize leverage in a business you own, purchase assets instead of liabilities, and most importantly never believe you are a victim of anything-economy, recession, bad luck, etc.
If you are unfamiliar with what I said, check out this site and watch the two videos. It changed my perspective on money, jobs and all around life.
http://www.explorefreedom.com/renotraveler