When my mother and father were in the work force, the older they got, the more valuable they became to their employer. Experience, wisdom, reliability was worth something. No more.
Especially in a right to work state like Missouri. You can get canned for no reason.
Yesterday, I worried. To those who don't know me, I'm not a worrier. My motto has always been - worrying is wasted energy. But yesterday, I had this dread build up in me. "What would I do if I lost my job?" I'm old, I'm a bit crippled. I'm fat. I have no savings to speak of. What would I do?
Then today, a dear friend of mine who is about 20 years younger than me, lost his job. Were my feelings yesterday connected to him? I don't know. What I do know is, it made me madder than hell.
The people that fired him, picked his brain for his knowledge for 6 months and then wham, slam, bam, thank you man, you're gone. Just like that. No discussion as to what they could do to fit together. No compromise, no 'let's see what kind of future we can mold'. Just, get your things, you're done.
I believe he'll bounce back. He's too good at what he does not to. But it underlined what is wrong with America today. No respect, no values, no compromise.
I hope I can get my writing career going before I get canned because I'm expendable. If not, watch out Zach (my son), I'm moving in.
I agree with you. It's a different environment than our parents workplace. I see the scenario of your friend's firing as commonplace. No value to long term employees...younger is now preferred. Plus, as you said, no loyalty from the employer. It's a sad state of affairs and I wish I knew the answer, Wantda, but I sure don't. :(
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a back up plan besides me :-) It's the marketplace now. In fact, employees feel they need to change jobs more frequently to earn the amount of money they are worth. It's commonplace and a part of doing business these days. Once you get above 50, better just keep your head down, do your job and hope you make it to retirement with the same company. Who's gonna hire you at that point? Terrible, but true.
ReplyDeleteCorporate America is getting worse by the minute, unfortunately. It is harder and harder for small businesses like the one my hubby and I run to get by, so Big Business can get away with crap. :( I'm so sorry, Wanda. I hope this feeling passes and your friend finds a job that's even better so he can thumb his nose at his former employer!
ReplyDeleteI agree with all the a fore mentioned comments. It isn't just employees. People don't realize or appreciate the value in ANYTHING anymore it seems. We have become a disposable society. Unfortunately, it includes people.
ReplyDeleteHang in there Wanda!