The Re-Invention of the American Worker
Thirty-seven years ago ( I can’t believe it’s been that long) when I left college I postponed the inevitable and went to graduate school rather than directly into the job market. I believed that this would insure a place for me in the work world and pave the way to the affluent future that I had envisioned. Those were the expectations of many of my generation. Fast forward to 2010! Surprise! the future for us baby boomers is here! Large numbers of us have reached the age where we believed we would ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after. Instead many of us are facing uncertain economic futures and don’t see retirement any time soon. I now realize that how we got here doesn’t matter WE ARE HERE. I have also realized something else. We “middle-aged” Americans are not the only ones facing this dilemma.
Several weeks ago I was hired to work temporarily for the US Census in one of the offices. Not having had a consistent pay check since 2007, I am very happy to be working. I work along side of people who are there just to supplement their income and many who like me were not working until this came along. I had been thinking that this blog would only appeal to people approaching or past 50 but now I am sure that younger people may be interested.
The traditional roles that we all expected have changed and I believe they have changed forever. Young people are looking at their futures in different ways than many of us did 30 plus years ago. They are realizing that they may have to be flexible and creative to survive. Maybe they will be better prepared than I was.
Anyway, I am hoping to reach out to as many of you as I can and find out how you have made life changes in order to survive. What are you doing to bring dollars into the household? How many people are finally pursuing their dreams and making a go of businesses that you never thought you could make successful?
Perhaps we can inspire and encourage each other and in the course we can begin to redefine the American lifestyle in the 21st Century! More to follow.
Posted on June 24, 2010, in The Main Idea. Bookmark the permalink. 5 Comments.
First Steps the Hardest 
Tex, (3rd person texting) hopes to be the first to contribute to your blog. You inspire me to prose. When we first met on the grounds of Clara Dickson Hall, it was love at first sight. You were going to be my best friend, then i met your family, father, mother, the aunts … they adopted me, and i knew we had to be twins separated at birth. Now, the present, we must write about it, right? Truth and fiction, there is a line to cross. Allthemore, let us do this, DIY, wright. Right? http://www.nanowrimo.org/ also known as national novel writing month. when the present is the gift of now, now, now…
wright should be write (self editing)
Yes, my friend we all have had to take a step back and look at our resources. I have cut back on spending and then I look at all the things that I have acquired over the years and no longer use to ascertain if I can sell them in a yard sale. But, I just thank God for what I do have and make the best of the situation. I look at it from a different perspective if our ancestors lived off the earth and made it well I can make it.
Great blog Karen. I am not familiar with blogs and if people respond. I know they respond on Fb.
My survival, as you know have been odd jobs, begging, borrowing (and I pray that I have not stole). I have attempted to increase my learning skills and gained a certificate in a new area. I am now executing a resume and search to locate a position in this sector.
The world has changed. The only constant is change. I have learned that God’s mercies are new every morning and that he does new things. Although consistentcy has it’s place, doing things that have never done before, are emerging and new businesses are developing.
This is a challenging time but it can also be an exciting time. I agree with Racheal Welch who is 69 and looks fabulous (she does say this takes some additional time to do these days) but she said: ” We can choose to believe the propaganda about our age” or “decided to get in the game or sit on the side lines”.
Of course this recession is real. It has, in some cases, brought others together to assist one another. Sometimes we need a hand up and not a hand out. We must keep the faith and not allow the agony of defeat get to us, which can occur in our minds, I too have experienced this. But the bible says that: “God will supply all of our needs according to His riches in Glory through Christ Jesus”. Studying the word of God, is encouraging. God’s word is true. He wants the best for me and you.
God can do a new thing. We have to be willing and open to His leading. Even when it does not fit our agenda. This is the challenge. God can give us witty inventions and a new direction for our life. Just as you have discovered your love of teaching and knitting. My challenge has been to access our ablities and couple it with a vocation that I have a motivation to do and then to be able to earn a living.
Above all else, our goal should be to fulfill God’s calling so that in the end we will receive our crown. I heard a sermon, which said “Don’t lose your crown!”. God knows the plan He has for you. The bible says to: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you” and “He will supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus”. I believe that obedience to God’s leading to allow us to overcome these turberlent times.
Also, remember that the bible says: “In this life we will have trials and tribulations, but be of good cheer, because I have already overcome the world”
~Please pray God’s strength for me as I pray for you. Keep the faith and God Bless.
This is a good thing. I am one of the lucky ones who entered a new arena after age 55. I love my work because it let me follow my passion everyday. Still, I am horrified to think what I would be able to do if it ended. This is a good thing you’re doing to give our fears a voice and maybe our life’s work some room to share with others like us who have always worked and cannot imagine life without work. What do we do when those to whom we have entrusted our future don’t think that they owe us anything or feel that they have arrived because they’re entitled? What torch have we passed?