I don’t think I’ve ever had any dreams about having to go back to work, that is, to unretire and return to the world of cubicles and self-assessments as detailed in this story at Fortune. But, every once in a while I have this bizarre dream that I’m still at work and wondering why.
You retired. But that was then. Now things have changed, and you want — or need — to return to the workforce. Jumping back in may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be, says Age Wave CEO Ken Dychtwald, an expert on boomers and aging … Here’s Dychtwald’s advice on how to make your way back onto a company payroll without too much stress.
Reframe what work means
Having to go back to the office when you dreamed for years about puttering in your garden or volunteering can be frustrating, even depressing. But retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be either. For most productive, well-educated men and women, an average of 25 years of “leisure” can be terribly isolating and boring; returning to work may turn out to be a blessing after all. Remember that work is good not only for the cash flow but also keeping the mind and spirit sharp.
Don’t play the youth game
This is an area where people make a lot of mistakes. They dye their hair (if they have any), get some hip, new, young clothes — even though they might not fit — and try to use the jargon and style of youth. That doesn’t work. A better idea: Go on the offensive and sell yourself as a mature person. Stress your capacity to make smart decisions, your good judgment in managing people, your contributions in brainstorming and business development, and your lifetime connections. This is your advantage.
How thoroughly depressing… I’m probably going to have a dream about this now…
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I suggest the opposite – dye your hair, get some skinny black jeans and a shiny shirt from the youth section of the department store, spend a few hours browsing the urban dictionary.
Then line up a new job and pitch the concept to a reality show producer.
The problem is, most of the blokes doing the hiring (depending upon your industry) will likely be in their 20’s; at a stage in their careers before they’ve burned out on the American Dream that was sold them and are willing to work 20 hour days for minimal pay…
One of the biggest gripes in my industry is lack of mentorship. That may be due to the mass burnout encouraged by a bizarre youth culture. As soon as you say you’re mature, the game is up.
“Go on the offensive and sell yourself as a mature person…” Yeh, that’ll work. After age 50 you’re about an employable as a unbathed wino. Just hope you have a marketable skill that can be done at home on a freelance basis so you never actually meet your employer face to face. (Imply you’re 24 years old.) Sort of the way those middle age cops pose on the Internet as horny 15 year old girls.