Archive for May, 2009

When the “Little Old Lady from Pasadena” was released by Jan & Dean in 1964, I loved the song and enjoyed it even more as I visualized my own grandmother trading in her ‘56 Plymouth and cruising Jacksonville in a Dodge convertible sports car. The possibility of ever being my grandmother’s age did not occur to me. 

Flash forward to 2009:  I’m a grandmother now. I own a convertible and love to drive with the top down. Last week, I was driving home one evening down a canopy road and singing along with the radio “Go Granny, Go Granny, Go Granny, Go!” I suddenly stopped singing. “Oh no – That’s me! I don’t feel old.  Do I look old? Do others think I’m old?”

It might have been the clear night and spring breeze, but I recovered before I arrived home. Yes, I am a member of the baby boomer generation, but people in my age group are not old; some of us are not even mature.  Rather, we are seasoned.  Seasoned is defined as: Skilled or knowledgeable through long practice; Rendered competent through trial and experience; and as it would not be Gumbo without it… Seasoning is the process of imparting or improving the flavor of food.

Baby boomers are seasoned members of the workforce who are redefining what it is like to be an older worker in the 21^st century.  The technological changes of the past 20 years have challenged us to continue learning and have helped us be more creative and innovative.  Many of us are literally reinventing ourselves to stay abreast in our current profession.  Others are the victims of downsizing and layoffs, going back to school or taking certification programs to embark on second careers.  As Director of Certification for the Big Bend Society for Human Resource Management, I have had the opportunity to get to know many people who are preparing for HR Certification to improve in their current jobs or prepare for new careers.  These are people who are focusing – not on retirement – but on following a passion.  They know that knowledge is best when shared and enjoy helping others in the classes.  

As you look at your employees for new projects or review applicants for a vacant position, don’t overlook the seasoning. It might be just what you need to spice up your organization.