So much to offer
Recently we held a farewell for our branch manager who’s retiring. As is the case with many 65-year-olds, he still has many years of fruitful productivity to offer, but company policy dictates that he must now be put out to pasture.
My head is next on the chopping block, as I’ll have no option but to retire in March 2020. I have the choice of looking for a lesser position within a company that will appreciate the fact my brain is still very active, and my outwardly aged body hides a sprightly and young soul.
Without undermining the needs of the flood of matriculants who also have to seek gainful employment every year, we oldies have experience on our side. We no longer have children to cart to the doctor, dentist or school sport events. We’re always the first to arrive at work and the last to leave. We don’t panic easily and are able to handle extreme pressure and meet deadlines without a qualm. We enjoy going to work and, unlike many youngsters, appreciate the fact we have a job to go to every day.
All I can do now is make the most of the time I have left at work. Many others would be elated at the thought of not having to get up early every day, but I don’t have a wonderful retirement to look forward to as my spouse and I had always planned for, because he’s terminally ill and already on borrowed time.
I’d be better off if I could carry on working and keep myself busy, rather than rattle around alone in an empty house with only memories to keep me company. UNWILLING PENSIONER, EMAIL
SI’m in my mid-sixties and have applied for numerous jobs as well as temp jobs without success. As a lot of us can’t retire, we really find it difficult to make ends meet.
Could recruiters please give us a chance? I guarantee you wouldn’t be disappointed. FRUSTRATED, EMAIL We tried to start a recruiting company for people who are 60-plus. We advertised for companies to contact us if they were looking for senior citizens. We had lots of interest from seniors, but alas nothing from companies.
I can’t believe how narrow-minded companies are that they don’t see seniors can do the same job as youngsters – and do it better! KAREN, EMAIL