Ageism

My dad’s side of the family expected everyone, including all the women, to attend post-secondary education. It was presumed we would all get good jobs and work until we retired. When I got my first job and it was with the government my aunt was so excited because to her that meant I would have a pension and benefits and I would be set for my retirement. After 23 years of working as a social worker I decided to quit and to everyone’s great shock I had no other job on the horizon and I was pulling my pension. I still remember my aunt’s shock that I would leave a good government job. I was too afraid to tell her that I had no other job and no pension. It took me several months to find another job and since that time I have had 5 other jobs. The one thing no one ever discussed was what did it mean to retire. You are taught about getting a job and how best to keep it and even how to handle some of the politics. All of this with the end goal of retirement, but again no one discussed what that meant. After you work for years and you have a sense of accomplishment and routine then you are supposed to retire and do what exactly? What do you do with your time? Do you travel? Do you garden? Do you spend time with your friends? What do you do?

I have chosen a different path I’ve chosen to continue working and it amazes me how that has become a controversial subject. People wonder why don’t you retire? Someone told me no one works when they are 80. Of course, my response is look at Joe Biden he’s leading the US. While I’m only 73 I love working and I’m good at it. I have a great my job; I work with amazing people who appreciate all I do. Since Covid I get to predominantly work from home. I’m the only one who does what I do for this company. A few years ago, I was reflecting on my life and was jealous of those who could retire. I felt cheated because I needed to work for financial reasons. I had convinced myself that was the only reason I was working. I was lucky to have a dear friend challenge me on my thinking and she helped me realize that while I was working to help out financially, I was working because I enjoyed working.

The sad thing is I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels that way. Unfortunately, ageism has become a topic in our culture. If you are over 65 try and find a job. Maybe you have retired from a very stressful job, but that doesn’t mean you can’t or don’t want to work at something. I remember while working at my fourth job I had a horrible manager and it didn’t matter what I did it wasn’t good enough for her. She eventually fired me. First time in my life I had been fired. I didn’t want to go back into counselling/social work type of jobs. I had become quite proficient with computers and I thought I would be a benefit to a company in an administrative position. I was 64 and no one would even give me an interview. I had so much knowledge, but no one would give me a chance because they thought I would only be working for a year and then retire. The job I now have fell into my lap because they needed someone for a cover-off position and I’m still there. I just needed a chance to prove myself.

There is such discrimination with older workers which is not fair. Those of us who want to work are reliable employees; we don’t have little children to take care of; we provide regular attendance and many of us have skills we can bring to the work environment, but we aren’t given an opportunity to show what we can do and what we have to offer.

I feel so lucky each and every day that I was given this opportunity. It gives me a sense of pride to be able to do my job and to have created systems that we continue to use. The doctors with whom I work value my opinion and see me as a valued team member. Working also helps me keep my brain active and resilient. I have a sense of purpose. Three years ago, I started writing these articles where I share my experiences and points of view and to my great surprise people are interested in what I have to say. When people ask me “when are you going to retire?” I tell them I have no idea because as long as I am happy and can be productive, I will continue to work. I have never been someone who fits well into the molds other people feel I should fit into. I will forge my own road and do what feels right for me. I know that I am nearing the end of my life’s road, I will not go out of this world doing what others think I should do, but what I want to do and what feels right for me. I plan on going out with a bang.