The Retired Renegade

We already  reviewed statement 1 and 2. Now, lets continue and talk about the following two statements. Keep in mind  the advice given, chances are you’ll retain your job. More so, you will find it easier to get a job if that’s what you desire.

Older employees are slower and less productive than their younger colleagues.

For certain people, the age of 60 rhymes with hospice, home care, lost of autonomy, Alzheimer and Parkinson, Knitting and rambling. They foresee aging as  living in the past, a vision that doesn’t take in consideration today’s life expectancy.

Studies have proven that not everybody ages at the same speed. There are those that stay in shape and others that neglect to do so. There are persons of 70 that practice mountain climbing, while adults of 30 sweat at the slightest effort. The physical capacity of a person is not only related to his biological age.

Here is some advice, to fight against this prejudice unfavorable to aged workers,

Keep in shape. Exercise regularly and watch what you eat (a balanced diet).  The More you’re in shape, the younger you’ll look. Your good physical shape will also influence a better social life, because people have the tendency to avoid those who look sick.

Try to find out what criteria are used to evaluate your productivity. This way you will be able to better your performance. Further more, respect the security at work notices and communicate these notices to your younger colleagues.

If you’re looking for a job, show that productivity is important to you. Insist on what you’ve done instead of the number of years you worked for this or that employer.

Customers prefer being served by younger employees.

Apart a few exceptions, customers prefer older personnel. Many factors confirm that mature employees are considered more credible and are an asset pertaining to customer service.

On the whole, the population is aging and many are ill at ease with younger advisers. The recruiting officer at Home Depot discovered that consumers prefer consulting older personnel. Why ? Because, age is perceived as being mature and wise, witch plays in your favor, if you wish to work as a salesman or be responsible of customer service

To the eye of the customer a few grey hairs is an indication that you possess the necessary experience to find solutions to their problems. Better yet, you are often more diplomatic than your younger colleagues.

Here are suggestions to win against this prejudice.

Develop a good solid relation with your customers and try to go beyond their expectations. If customers speak of you positively when they talk to your boss, he will hesitate before asking you to leave.

In an interview, explain how you regained the confidence of unhappy customers. Tel potential employers of stories or anecdotes that prove you’re tactful.

(Part 3)