Written by: Gail Kauranen Jones, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
I was at a LinkedIn training recently when someone in the room asked about whether we should delete dates on our profiles about our previous work experience.
This person feared, by disclosing those earlier time periods of his career, someone may not want to hire him for being older.
My friend and coaching colleague with whom I attended the event shouted out: “Reframe that. Age is wisdom.” She then asked, “Would you want to work for someone who does not value that?” The LinkedIn trainer agreed, as did many others at the presentation.
On the wisdom that comes with age: Thinking more deeply about that exchange on age at the LinkedIn presentation, where half the room appeared to be over 50 years old, I opted to share with you today thoughts I wrote about turning 65 this past summer. “Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you.” ‒ Dr. Seuss AGE is NOT “just a number” (contrary to what people kept telling me). It’s a plethora of feelings—from the joy and gratitude of living fully into a sixth decade and beyond, to the weight of carrying silent sorrows that, if shared, may not be received with the compassion, kindness, and empathy they deserve. It’s a richer appreciation for each moment, and with greater wisdom, choosing which thoughts, beliefs and perceptions are allowed to take up space in our hearts and minds. It’s the shock of getting a Medicare card, not realizing time passed so quickly, when you still feel like you're 40, and can hike more miles now than you could in your youth. It’s a mark of triumphs in overcoming challenges and curveballs, from a scary health challenge as noted in a book I wrote, to losses, including the death of loved ones. The pain can be equally deep from the emotional absence of, or physical distance from, those we care for deeply—as anyone with a less-than-perfect family knows. It’s a celebration of making dreams come alive and having the tenacity to keep taking baby steps towards our “callings” or ways to live an inspired life—hopefully making the world a better place with our unique contributions, large or small. It’s taking the time, through conversation, to build true friendships beyond our social media images and not base our worth on who “likes,” avoids, or forgets us here. It’s forgiving over and over again others and ourselves—and learning the “art of repair” so doors can stay open when relationships are tested. It’s learning to replace judgment with curiosity —honoring the people and opportunities before us. By setting aside our own limited perceptions, we can stop falsely projecting onto others our own “stuff.” It’s living from that open heart, with discernment of what feels right (and our body wisely gives us signals—don’t ignore that pit in the stomach when something feels off, or the beautiful contrast of a sweet fluttering of the heart). It’s knowing that we are here to grow, and that we never reach an end point when we have it all together. The imperfections are sometimes what bond us, as we acknowledge the humanness of one another. It’s seeing beyond current circumstances, whether they are good or bad, and knowing that beneath them all, we are LOVE. Turning 65 makes me want to extend that love even more, in deep, rich, and meaningful ways.
Be an age-smart employer
Still, ageism is real—ask any recruiter, or an older entrepreneur who had to create a business because no one would hire him or her.
It’s time, actually long overdue, to change the perception of age in the workplace.
Here’s are the top ten advantages, with several specific examples within the articles, of hiring “older workers” from Columbia University’s Public Health page/site.
They are skilled and experienced.
They stay in jobs longer and take fewer days off.
They have a strong work ethic.
They retain a knowledge and networks.
The perceived technology gap can be overcome.
Older workers prove that the best teams are multigenerational.
Older workers play a critical role in training the next generation.
They provide customers with consistency and personal attention.
Older workers attract more business.
Older workers are part of the business brand.
And if you need further inspiration about those succeeding at older ages, look at:
Louise Hay, motivational author, who founded Hay House Publishing (the largest publisher of self-help books, events ,and courses) when she was 60 years old. She also started ballroom dancing at 70 and started painting at a children’s art class at 80—later winning awards for her paintings at the San Diego County Fair.
Ray Croc, “A late bloomer who made the McDonalds’s the world’s largest burger chain,” as cited in Time Magazine. Croc was 52 when he opened his first franchise, after paying his dues as a salesman for 34 years.
Judi Dench (although acting since the late 50s) rose to prominence with her role as M in the James Bond series, beginning with Goldeneye in 1995 at age 61. She later won an Academy Award for “best supporting actress” for her role in Queen Elizabeth 1 in Shakespeare in Love, and later six other Oscar nominations for her role in the Bond films.
It's a new world
From lessons of the Great Resignation/Quiet Quit to challenges of the hybrid workplace, the ways of engaging and succeeding in the workplace are changing.
Let’s take a step UP (pun intended) with age and value wisdom over date-of-birth.
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Gail Kauranen Jones, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Gail Kauranen Jones (known as “Coach Gail Jones”) is an intuitive coach, gifted wordsmith and inspiring teacher who has been leading clients through transformation for more than twenty years.
She also is an Honoree of Brainz Magazine’s prestigious CREA global award given to creative entrepreneurs making a difference in the field of mental health
She is the author of two books, Cancer as a Love Story: Developing the Mindset for Living, and To Hell and Back… Healing Your Way through Transition.
Passionate to get to the root causes of blocks that hold clients back and then help them create empowering new beliefs to move forward, Gail delved deep after going through her own journey of healing from breast cancer. She learned some profound ways to optimize health and well-being including claiming one’s worthiness to live and thrive.
Gail trained with world-renowned neuroscientists in guiding clients to rewire the brain for new levels of personal and professional success. She has been hired to train several hundred HeartMath coaches globally on her worthiness platform, with her signature presentation, “The journey to the heart of worthiness.”
Gail has appeared as a guest “worthiness coach” nationally in the US on CBS TV’s Emmy award-winning talk show The Doctors, on Sirius XM Radio, and in Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper.
With an additional certification as a high self-esteem coach for parents, educators and children, Gail plans to expand her worthiness platform to youth.
She hosts her own podcast, “Claim Your Worthiness: Intimate Conversations with Gail Jones,” which features national thought leaders and handpicked experts and others who have transformed their lives to serve.
