Potential Retirees Holding All the Cards
By: Mick, June 14th, 2007
There is a recent post from itzbig about how boomers are never going to retire. The post is only half-joking with that statement when it describes a developing scenario in which companies are realizing that their current leaders are rapidly reaching the point where workers traditionally have hung up their briefcases. A scramble of sorts is occurring to identify the gaps that are going to be created if and when these seasoned professionals leave. And these same leaders are proving to be excellent resources to help train and mentor the younger generation of corporate players.
These factors, coupled with the fact that many aging workers are choosing not to retire or simply cannot afford to retire, have created an atmosphere in which workers who would have been headed for retirement merely a generation ago are now highly sought-after resources and may prove invaluable to companies trying to transition to younger management. Many companies are just beginning to address the issues involved with a boomer exodus and the early indications are that aspiring retirees may have to turn down attractive employment packages if they are truly ready to move on.
Tags: baby boomers, early retirement, mentoring, retirees, retirement planning, talent gap, talent management
Entries
July 17th, 2007 at 7:39 pm
This concept about older, experienced workers being a resource as businesses transition to a younger workforce is something that’s critically important. Experienced, executive workers need to embrace this concept. I am a Certified Professional Resume Writer who prepares resumes exclusively for executives. On a daily basis, a client presents me with a scenario he’s encountered about some form of apparent age discrimination. Most of the time, the problem comes in finding employment. I offer advice such as consulting, or identifying corporations who have philosophies that value the older, experienced worker.
I may now encourage my working clients who come to me for resumes because they’re “just ready to move on,” to also consider examining opportunities within their existing organization. People still need to present a quality resume to clarify their accomplishments for themselves, and to showcase their accomplishments, even within their own organizations. But I feel that looking within their own organization is just one more avenue experienced workers can explore before they “move on.”
Jewel Bracy DeMaio
Executive Resume Strategist
http://aperfectresume.typepad.com/
July 18th, 2007 at 9:51 am
Hi Jewel,
I definitely think there is a large market for transitional talent, on top of the usually-healthy demand for seasoned consultants. I like your approach of encouraging working clients, especially older ones, to explore less rigorous options within their current employers. I think most employers are aware of the value of their more experienced workers and the opportunities there can benefit everyone involved.