The New Gush: Old (sometimes very), Healthy, Still Working

 "Do you know how old I am?"

Instead of struggling to conceal aging, there is a break-out of boasting about how many years they have been on planet earth. That's what a woman at the gym pressed me to answer. We were next to each other on the rowing machines.

Turns out she, a member of the Silent Generation, is 88. She beamed when she added, "My numbers (as in those blood tests) are so good. I am still working, two days a week. I want to add you on LinkedIn." 

ENCOUNTERS OF THE AGING KIND

All that was way more than I wanted to know. But these kinds of encounters are happening frequently. The combo package of longevity, good health and paid employment has evolved into the new cool. 

Those who can continue to hold onto/grab onto work in this crazy global labor market are exuding a wild self-confidence.  Actually quite aggressive. A guy in the trades at my church lets us all know that he gets up at 4:30 AM to assist his son with closing down/opening residential pools. Oh, he gets paid quite well, he boasts. 

THE NEW ENTREPRENEURIAL

 In addition, some boomers are even launching new kinds of ventures. 

Ernest (Paul) Chaney now is on Substack as a thought leader on the ethics of AI. 

Toby Bloomberg made the transition to marketing communications in the food niche. 

Brad Karp, head of US-based law firm Paul Weiss, has essentially created a startup practice in London, doing neck-snapping poaching of talent from giant Kirkland & Ellis. Karp has also been focused on achieving the same in hot-energy-hub Houston, Texas.

And at age 76, two years ago, I parachuted into doing coaching/tarot readings full-time. At the end of April, I will be relocating from the Midwest to a part of Arizona where there are more opportunities for those services. Yes, I have nailed down contract work there. Even before AI encroached on content-creation, my former core skill, I got it that I wasn't in a growth niche. 

ADDING ON NEW CAREER PATHS

A sign of this new paradigm, popular professional networks, ranging from LinkedIn to Reddit, feature the increasing prominent presence of the over-65. Lawyer who recently added on being a CEO of an oncology firm John Tarantino "stars" with his leadership reflections. His site is kind of a hub for us spiritual types to hang out.

AGING & THE TWO CULTURES

You don't have to have a Ph.D. in gerontology to discern that aging has bifurcated. 

There are those of us who hustle to not only continue pulling down the bucks from our labor but also "building" something. 

In contrast are those who have approached aging as a reason to let go of being productive in the traditional manner: working for income. They orbit a whole different dimension.

Interestingly, though, in my coaching/tarot reading I am encountering their unhappiness, along with social isolation, boredom and fear of outliving their money. Together we sort out how they can gear up for part-time employment. That could kick off with retrofitting the resume for AI.

2024. You can transform the craziness of this time into unique opportunity. Jane Genova provides you with intuitive career coaching, Tarot readings and related communications. Complimentary confidential consultation. (For appointment text/phone 203-468-8579 or email janegenova374@gmail.com)

Meanwhile, please get to know me:

https://tarotreadingsforcareers.blogspot.com/

https://janegenovaintuitivecareercoaching.blogspot.com/

https://makingyourpoint.blogspot.com)

  

 

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