Those Great American Novels - Risky to Refer to Them

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Were boomers the last generation to aspire in college to write one of those Great American Novels? 

Well, we even held onto that dream when we liberal arts majors took jobs in public relations, marketing communications and screenwriting. None in my circles ever did it, though. The nearest I came to that was publishing a satiric novella "The Fat Guy From Greenwich." It is having a long half life, though, on YouTube.

Now? It would make us sound "old" if we even alluded to those actual Great American Novels such as "The Great Gatsby." The Wall Street Journal goes down that sort of memory lane, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the novel and saluting others whose legacy is so far off in another dimension. But I wonder how many clicks that WSJ article will have among the prized 18 to 40 demographic? 

Age bias in professional life can begin at 35. Once it kicks in it can erode career progress. So, the alert discern how not to come across as "older." 

What's verboten, for instance, will include references to pop culture which date us. Those Great American Novels belong to another time. We cannot be of that time. 

What to refer to? Memes from films like "Sinners" and "Accountant2." 

How about chatting up our concern about the oppression of law firms such as Paul Weiss and Perkins Coie by the Trump administration? 

And there's what Jesus had to say. Evangelical churches have brought youth back to religion. In this post-social era Jesus can be counted on to not only be a friend but to have our backs. 

In my intuitive coaching I help clients take on the protective coloring of professionals 10 or 15 years younger.

Overwhelmed by the uncertainty? Special expertise with transitions, reskilling and startups. Complimentary consultation with Intuitive Coach Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com).