Why The Grey-Haired Brigade Is Making A Strong Comeback

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Why The Grey-Haired Brigade Is Making A Strong Comeback

by Alf Nucifora

While it may not be of much relief to the unemployed professional facing crisis of psyche and pocketbook, a hovering 5% unemployment rate does provide an unintended opportunity. The New York Times, in an article entitled The Sink or Swim Economy referenced what economists termed "idiosyncratic volatility…that affects individual firms (and individuals), but doesn't show up in the big picture statistics…and it is the signature of our economic age." The net result is that the marketplace today still remains awash with experienced job candidates, many of whom are victims of that volatility and don't show up on the radar screen. The resumes continue to pour in.

Re-Discovering the Old World

The old adage "the more things change, the more they stay the same," has particular applicability to today's irascible business environment. The ill-effects of continuing economic volatility, coupled with the still-lingering hangover from the dot.com profligacy, have created a world where business "values" are now back in vogue. The return-to-basics mentality is on the upswing. Tried and proven business commandments that speak to developing relationships, providing value, deriving gain from hard work, and focusing on driving the sales needle are now receiving the attention that they deserve. One also feels a growing appreciation for the value of experience and more respect for the age that accompanies that respect. Or, perhaps it's just all those Boomers getting old.

Hence the Opportunity

This is all good news for the marketing employer. What we're experiencing is a buyer's marketplace as rarely seen before, with an inventory of proven professionals clamoring for the opportunity to put their skills and talents to good use. And, they can be added permanently to the payroll or acquired on an outsourced (freelance) basis.

As one who has had the opportunity to interview a large number of these experienced job seekers, I can attest to the benefit that they bring to the employer, particularly in a marketing environment where ROI performance and results are now the dictate. Specifically:

They possess a sense of accountability and responsibility that is alien to most of the graduating MBA class. They're results-oriented because they've been on the firing line too many times.

They carry a sense of maturity that shows up in the decisions they make and the risks that they avoid. And, with that maturity comes experience and scar tissue, the benefits of which have been gained at a previous employer's expense. That same sense of maturity also brings with it an understanding and perspective which can be the important determinants of a marketing program's failure or success.

Contrary to expectation, they're neither lazy nor burnt-out. They've experienced the 80-hour weeks and have learned that productivity is a product of disciplined habits and a smart approach, rather than long hours.

Generally speaking, they're loyal and reliable. Experiencing responsibility will do that to a person.

Although often perceived as inflexible and out-of-touch, the reverse is most often the case. Ironically, flexibility and adaptability often grow with age, as idiosyncrasy and ego-demands diminish.

The good ones relish the opportunity to mentor younger staff, and bring with them a black book laden with contacts and connections, valuable commodities when developing a sales and marketing network.

And, they're not expensive when one considers the value equation - results versus cost (in the form of payroll and benefits). These experienced marketing practitioners deliver an exceptional ROI because, in the majority of cases, they know how to deliver the results.

LINK to Article

[Gable72]

I've noticed this trend for a while now. I agree with the article when it says most older workers are happy to mentor the younger workers, but the problem is that the businesses just aren't hiring both very often. I don't blame businesses for doing what is best for the company and I don't blame the boomers for continuing to work. It just doesn't really help the future generation if they can't gain experience now.

Generation X is a whiny, crying generation who expects everything given to them. I think learning from the boomers as an apprentice might be the kick in the ass they need to help our country move forward. If not, we are in big trouble when they are actually getting these jobs without proper training.