Over the weekend, I was reading an article that quoted statistics regarding companies utilizing early retirement options for its "older" workers. It reported that a great number of companies are currently purging themselves of more mature workers. They seem to feel it in their best interest.
What was considered an older, mature worker? You are now considered in that category if you're in your mid 40's and up within many industries.
I don't know if it's because I'm staring down a fast approaching birthday or not, but this really got me thinking and reflecting on my own profession and career. Okay ... my age too!
In this day and age, in many industries ... according to this article ... I'd be considered a real antique. If in another profession, I too could be facing this early retirement dilemma. This article served to get me a little "fired-up" ... maybe even a little defensive about my "advanced" years and the seemingly negative effect many companies 
feel they would inflict on their bottom line.
As with anything, I guess there are pros and cons to this issue. The young professionals have skills that I admire and yes ... even are a little jealous of. They use the modern-day technology as almost an extension of themselves, almost another appendage. At their age, I thought a "selectric" typewriter was high-tech.
Admittedly, the techno stuff doesn't come to me quite as naturally. But, perhaps even more importantly for a company considering dollars and cents, the youngsters are at the onset of their careers, which typically means they are demanding a lower salary and are less of a "health" risk. Costs of having them around are lower and friendlier for the "bottom-line".
The speed at which changes and new information bombard our world seem to effect these younger workers very little too. They are used to a world that operates like that because that was what they were born into. Being a child of the 50's and 60's, I came from a time where life was a little less hectic. Media and news didn't attack your eyes and ears around the clock like it does
now. There was "down time". Life moved more slowly.
Also in contrast to this younger generation, my career started at a time and in a place where I was expected to learn the business from the ground up. I started my career as a teller in a savings and loan. At the same time I was performing that function, I was attending classes for real estate and appraising. I became licensed in both. Having that extra knowledge and background really helped.
It was expected that I'd take classes while moving up my career ladder ... this all while moving up real ladders when changing lightbulbs, making sure the S&L lawn was mowed, or checking for leaks in the roof of the branch I managed. (I still get smart comments from people that knew me then about coming to fix their lights that are out!)
I also spent time in the accounting division of the company. Learned the ABC's of finance and lending from the trenches. I then moved into the small loan division of the S&L, taking applications for car loans and small installment loans. I worked my way up to the real estate department and mortgages. I sat in on loan approval meetings with the Board of Directors. Packaged loan files for sale and delivery to smaller S&L's. Prepared for and dealt with government auditors. Prepared mass tax escrow payments with the county. Attended local Chamber of Commerce meetings on behalf of the company. Held Chamber offices. Continuing education was gained both in and out of the class room.
Things are different now. Designations and degrees are available in hundreds of specific fields and careers. To put it in laymans terms ... everyone coming out of college now is a "pedigree". They've studied their chosen field in more precise actuality and detail. 
I'm a "mut". I'm made up of a myriad of backgrounds and fields. I've heard and read that dogs that are "muts" are typically more healthy. Less likely to suffer or succomb from as many issues.
There have been so many times that I have been so glad that I am a mut. I think it's contributed to my survival. The extra knowledge and insight I gained from learning my profession in the old-fashion manner has contributed to my abilities to get my job done successfully in a million ways. What I learned by "doing" ... what I gained by "having done that" ... what I experienced from "working my way up the ladder" benefited me, my referral partners, and my customers daily.
Simply put, I have knowledge and expertise you can only learn over time and with age. I think of the many agents I know that are of my generation. The same can be said of them also.
I ask then ... at what age do you put all that knowledge and expertise out to pasture? At what age can you no longer contribute something worthwhile? When someone is 40? 45? 50? 55? Older? What valuable resources are lost when that is done? What wealth of knowledge thrown away? What insight, reasoning, and negotiation skills are no longer available when these more mature workers are not available to offer their input, tested skills, and 
expertise?
I believe that our real estate industry is strengthened by the representation of the broad range of ages within it. The young bring their talents and energy. They keep us more mature professionals on our toes. The older veterans bring experience and perspective to the young. Both can learn from the other, if willing.
Thankfully, our industry does not practice mandatory retirement as in other professions. I believe our buyers and sellers benefit greatly because of this. I can't help but believe that other industries ultimately suffer because of the loss of their more mature workers.
on't Buy a Home ...
ner. 
, move like a slow lazy river, and more. 
t your fingertips!
