What happens when a MA’d woman finds herself back in the work force after a few years’ hiatus? One very sure thing is that it is very odd being “low man on the totem pole” after being off the office radar for a while. It’s one thing to be the older woman in the office if you have been there for a while and you know all the ropes, people, all the ins and outs of a place: you are the go-to person. But, when you are the new person and everyone in the office is younger and you could have given birth to the person training you, well, it just isn’t easy to deal with.
T
his recession has taken its toll on many of us MA’d people, and I have noticed more and more older workers waiting on tables, delivering packages and greeting you at the front desk in just about any office. Quite frankly I have my days when I am okay with it. I mean it gets me out of the house. I have met some very nice people, and I am learning many new things at my new place of employment.
On the other hand, I sometimes sit at my desk and think to myself, “I could have been in Florida right now or I could be volunteering at my favorite charity or I could be” …..whatever (you fill in the blanks). I guess I get rather morose about my situation when one of the younger workers say something that is the verbal equivalent of a pat on the head for the “older” lady in the office. Things like, “Just remember that when you use your iPod don’t have the volume up more the 3/4 range”, and then they smile at you like they want help you to your chair. I know they mean well. But, I want to remind this youngster that I was listening to loud, deafening music before he/she was born. I understand the dangers of hearing loss.
But, I have learned to be tolerant and keep a good sense of humor. I try to remember how I viewed someone my age when I was their age. At their age I couldn’t even begin to imagine what it was like to be “old-er”. As we baby boomers get back in there and punch a clock it has brought generations together. Maybe it will create an understanding between us and them; something that our generation didn’t have with our parents. We did after all coin the phrase, “Don’t trust anyone over 30″.
Personally, I enjoy being at the bottom of the totem pole. I don’t think either one of us really defines oursleves by our career. We’re much more interesting than our jobs! And although you may not be the youngest person in the office you’re still a hot tamale (and you know this.) Honestly, I am so glad that we are cubicle neighbors, you bring so much dazzle to the office, I was bored outta my gourd before you came. If you ever want to commiserate I am available for drinks. Smoochies, G