BoomerVille: Universal Relief That We're No Longer Chasing a Career, But ...

Reddit captures the now-usual in job search: 

" ... 4 months. I’m in fashion ... Interviewed with 23 companies and did 49 interviews just to land this 1 offer."

And that has a happy ending. The poster 1) Landed a job and 2) The position was in their field.

Most of those scrambling for career whatever or even for work, of any kind, aren't so fortunate.

So, no surprise, among us Boomers the talk is: "No way, I couldn't go through eight interviews per application to get a career started or keep it going."

Those of us still earning income from the sweat of our brow are primarily doing it on our own terms. For five years I have been operating a highly specialized boutique. I have enough business and that's enough. So far I haven't had to withdraw from savings/investments to pay the bills.

Overall, other Boomers on my networks also are doing it their way. If that means doing retail at a big box, that's okay. No grousing about the loss of title, status and the big money. In comparison to what younger generations are going through, we know we're sitting pretty. 

Medicare is a major piece of that. Sure, for 2027, there are a cut in some Medicare Advantage benefits and a boost in the amount of co-pays. But at least we don't have to nail down employment for the employer-contribution to the cost health insurance. Most bankruptcies happen because of medical bills.

Not that we aren't in angst about "the future." 

Inflation could get worse. 

There could be 20% haircuts on Social Security. 

Access to quality medical care? Already I had to wait three months for an appointment with a cardiologist. Another month for tests. Then another month for another test before surgery will be scheduled. 

Pet food and vet care are reaching the point of unaffordability. How many dogs will be dumped at a shelter?  I felt compelled to adopt one of those who was shaking in the cage, not at all adjusting to having been dumped. Recently he had a GI problem. $600 later and lots of experiments with food Bentley is finally Bentley again. We need food banks for pet parents.

What about the stock market? Could there be another 1929 kind of crash and we get wiped out?

But in the here and now we still can scoop up tremendous joy. There's the genius of "You Can See Everything." For me that's just like "The Godfather." I will see it again and again, remembering what I experienced during each viewing. We still have the freedom to vote. The free version of ChatGPT is awesome. No one needs a subscription to Netflix when Tubi is free. 

Careers. Forget all that. It’s about earning a good living, no matter what. Intuitive coaching and, upon request, tarot readings.

Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova, StreetSmart Coaching (janegenova374@gmail.com)

 

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