I the Worker

I’ve never argued with the fact that when I am on a job, I’m frequently one of the oldest people in the office, if not the oldest by at least several years. Some businesses just seem to hire younger and younger people, which is a way to save money.

What’s wrong with saving money? Or never mind that, what’s wrong with thinking that on every job you should come in at 10 a.m., but expect to leave at 5 or 5:30 p.m., and take at least an hour for lunch. I think this is where my age comes in. I wouldn’t ever think of assuming that, but then again, I’m older and probably considered odd. And my work ethic doesn’t happen like that.

Instead, I listen to the hours HR tells me to be there, and I come in for them. If the meeting is at 9:30 every day, I don’t assume I can miss it because I was there late the night before. (Then again, if I work until after 11 p.m. to make sure the job gets to the client on time, I probably won’t be at the meeting, an neither will anyone who was there late with me.) I don’t assume that I shouldn’t have to work hard but will still be rewarded. And I never assume that someone else is there to pick up behind me. My office is not my mother—and she doesn’t pick up after me either.

There are some benefits to having been around for a while. First, I actually usually know the job I’m asked to do, so there’s no training involved. Second, I’m happy to have the work so I’m easier to get along with in the office, and usually ready to go as soon as I get in. I don’t need a 20-minute coffee break to start my day. Finally, due to having been around for a bit, I’m usually pretty good at getting along with just about everyone I meet (yes, there are some duds, but it’s a minority) so I don’t rock the boat of office dynamics all that often. I’m also pretty good at figuring out quickly who I should avoid in the office in order to make sure I’m invited back—more billings for me.

Would I like my workload to be less? Sometimes. Do I try to take pride in what I do and put in the time to make sure it’s right? Absolutely. Unfortunately, I seem to be in a very small minority. Why is that? Who decided we were owed for not doing a job? Who thinks that if you work the basic hours someone else will just pick up the slack—and never question that you must be superior because you don’t cover for yourself? And who decides who gets what assignments—yes, that would be the boss. Frankly, if you’re not doing your work, don’t expect the promotion—and don’t complain when you don’t get it. In all likelihood the person who moved up the ladder was probably the one coming in earlier, staying later, and making sure the job was done—well. Yes, they might have been currying favor with the powers above them, but ultimately, most of the time, if you can’t do the work you’re not going to get anyplace. It just about always comes home to hit you if you move up to where you shouldn’t be.

And for those who do realize that I might be older than their mothers, remember that I’m polite; I still try to smile at everyone; and I do deserve respect unless I behave like a complete fool. Manners really do count much of the time, and periodically, they pay off. Maybe if the young came in at the appropriate time, sat down, and did what they were supposed to, the firm wouldn’t need to hire me to clean up after you. Or to do your work. And the firm wouldn’t routinely have mass layoffs due to budget cuts, or because there was less work available. Instead they bring in people like me, who may not be willing to stay really late but also don’t get benefits and work on an as-needed basis. (That means that if we come in and after 4 hours you don’t need us, we go home, even if we were promise three days of billings.) Maybe they would keep you around if you had shown loyalty and an ability to do the work—or even an interest in doing it well.

Homework Counts

Putting in the time to do a job right counts. I know you just graduated from college, and your professors said you were great. Doesn’t mean you know everything. I once worked in a place where the assistant questioned me on a style issue. Seems her professor said one thing but I was doing something else. Of course, the fact that the professor was teaching her newspaper style, and we were doing medical, never came up—oh wait, it did, when I pointed it out. She admitted she hadn’t even opened that manual; I suggested, politely, that she did. Then I went off to ask my friend with 20 years of newspaper experience (not the 20 days this girl had) about the question she asked. My friend in the trenches immediately pointed out that style is subjective, and no one followed it that tightly. Plus, you need to follow what the client wants, not just what a professor is teaching. The real world can be different.

Step back for a moment and try listening. Learning doesn’t end when you get your diploma. In fact, that’s only the beginning—yes, it’s a cliché but there is truth in the saying. You can learn something and do better if you listen to people like me—the old fogies.

Oh, and for you “friends” who know all about getting a job, but haven’t actually had to find one in the last 20-plus years: the answer to someone who is out of work isn’t, “Well, I’m sure you can find a job if you really want one.” (And no, I don’t talk to her anymore.) Do you really think the world is waiting to hire you if you want to suddenly go out once the kids are gone and make a little money? When there are at least three people for every job, and most of them have far more current work experience than you do? I bet you’ll be surprised when you don’t get an interview—unless you know someone who is willing to create a little something for you. Trust me, it won’t be all that scintillating to do whatever work is tossed at you; you’ll still be expected to get it done; and I’m pretty sure it won’t pay what you think you’re worth.

Older Really Isn't Stupid 

Remember, you’re older now, and a lot of young people think older means stupid. Yes, this has been a bit of a rant, but as an older worker, who has been through both the ups and the downs, I think I have a right to say something—due to my age, and the fact that I have never been let go for cause, or even been put on probation because I didn’t perform well, you might want to listen. 

The Thrill of the Chase—Time for Shoe Shopping             

Then

I was never particularly into shoe shopping until perhaps the last five years. Don’t get me wrong; I, like many women, really like shoes. I like the idea that I can wear flats, and heels. I like the colors; I like the fabric, and the leather. I’m not a fan of stilettos, although I’ve owned a pair, but I admire people who can wear them. In short, there’s nothing I don’t like about shoe shopping. But...

I have wide feet and constantly being in stores with sales people who acted like my width was a criminal offense. I really mean that. I went into one store and was shown some “wide” shoes that were particularly ugly; even the salesgirl had trouble looking at me when she brought them out—those were the shoes they had available. When I questioned the look the answer, also made without looking me in the eye, was “this company believes people with wider feet should cover them up.” I left the store.

Don’t get me wrong; I know I have wide feet. In fact, I’ve always had shoe issues. 

Growing up, my mother would take me into the leading shoe store in town, and I’d have to choose from the very few styles that came in wide sizes. There was never much of a selection, and I got the impression that having wide feet was my fault. More recently I went into a store that advertised in the catalog—mailed to my house—that they carried wide sizes. When I asked for them I was told the catalog meant I should order online and they’d send them to me. I don’t like to buy shoes—or even clothes for that matter—online until I know the brand well and have a feel for what size will fit. I pointed out, very politely, that the catalog said the stores carried the sizes, and was told the catalog was wrong. When I asked, still politely, whether I could return a shoe to the store if I ordered online, I was told no, returning them was my problem, not theirs. I needed to order correctly. Left that store. But this time, I went home, found out how to contact Customer Service for that brand, and wrote to them—online—with the whole story. I got an answer to the effect that that was not acceptable behavior from their people and that I’d be hearing shortly from someone higher up about the incident. I’m not sure what “shortly” means to them but it’s been two years; fortunately, I’m not holding my breath waiting.

Now

Fast forward to the recent past, and things are improving. First, more manufacturers are acknowledging that maybe people with wider feet can look decent in nice-looking shoes. Second, I lost weight and while my feet aren’t narrow, I went from a 2W to a 1W, which was a little more helpful. In fact, I’m starting to get a little obsessed with shoe shopping. It turns out that if you really work at knowing what brands fit you, the shoes are not that hard to find. In fact, some of them have outlets that sell wider sizes for less. Miracles do happen. I now have shoes in styles I like, and a variety of colors that I never had access to before. I don’t have as many pairs of shoes as a number of women I know, but it’s nice to have something to try on.

Last week, I spent a morning shoe shopping with a friend. A shoe store we both liked had closed in the local mall and we really wanted to find another one. It turned out there was an outlet for that brand within 10 miles of her home, so off we went. The most gratifying part was that I tried on three pairs of shoes, one of which fit. But, I decided they were a bit dull so didn’t get them. My friend, though, hit the jackpot, and she has a different problem. Her feet can handle three different sizes, all in medium, based on the style. She left the store with three pairs of shoes, in different sizes. But she was happy. Her only disappointment was that I left with nothing. I’m okay with that; at least I was able to try some on because they had my size. Plus, July is a little off-season so I probably need to go back in September to see updated styles. There was one pair I really loved but I had no use for them in my life at all; I just don’t dress up that much anymore.

Soon

My new plan is to go to an outlet mall in about three weeks, when more fall styles are around, that has a store with a brand I like. Just the thought of going is thrilling me. I’m starting to imagine what colors might be available. I don’t actually need new shoes, but it’s the thrill of the chase. Wish me luck!