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Opining of a Cranky Old Man
No Rear View Mirrors!
A sign of
the times that makes a columnist rethink his attitude on retirement
By Bill Kalmar, Retiree
 Jan.
6, 2010 - Besides penning a column periodically for SeniorJournal.com, I
also write for a number of other newspapers and publications. One of
those columns for a paper distributed in Michigan and neighboring states
is entitled, “Retired…(and lovin’ it).” But here’s the dilemma: the more
I talk to people still in the workforce and hear their stories of
incompetent managers, ambiguous directions from supervisors, secret
meetings, December dismissals, and other mind numbing workplace
activities, I’m thinking that column title should be updated to read,
“Retired…(and really, truly lovin’ it).”
Seems the current workplace for many people has
become a tinderbox of infighting, brutal competition, confusion, and
frustration. I base this on feedback I receive from readers. Each time I
publish a column about business or management, I become inundated with
e-mails and letters from people who find themselves in an unmemorable
work environment.
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Many people I talk to are hoping to receive their
“walking papers” so that they can receive a financial package, which
often includes one-year salary with benefits. A very sad commentary on
our times!
And yes, I realize that unemployment in the nation,
and in particular in Michigan, is at alarming levels and finding another
job is difficult. But, given the choice of working in a dysfunctional
work environment or changing careers and looking elsewhere, the later
seems to be a better choice.
A recent survey in AARP magazine illustrated that
71% of people who were laid off or whose business closed found a new
job.
And here is a statistic that should hasten one’s
trip out the door of a dysfunctional company – those people who quit
were among the 89% who found a job either in an alternative career path
or in the same line of work!
And to further illustrate why changing jobs may be
the path to take, 91% of people who changed jobs stated they enjoyed
working in the new company. In their previous company, their
satisfaction rate was only 79%.
When’s the best time to look for a new job? Most
people agree that looking for a job while one has a job is the optimum
situation. And the best way to find that ideal position is by
networking. Talk to friends in the business world and find out where
there may be openings.
Research the companies that are announcing new
products or services and then make some inroads with people you may know
who work there.
And, once you land that new position, never look
back. There’s a saying that I saw several years ago about always looking
forward – “No rear view mirrors” was emblazoned in the office door of a
career consultant and I think it says it all. In fact, I think that
saying rings true for everyday life, too!
Now you say, sure Bill, you are retired and don’t
understand why changing jobs is not an easy task. Let me say this. I
worked for thirty years at a local bank and enjoyed steadily increasing
responsibilities and titles. When we learned that a merger was imminent
with another bank, I knew the drill – there would be layoffs and
dismissals. As such, I started my search for another position and found
one within two months.
I then spent ten years working with Michigan
Governor John Engler, and it was a most rewarding experience. Then in
2003, the administration changed and I retired again.
And now I am living a life of fun, excitement, and
fulfillment. Am I glad to be out of the “rat race”? In some aspects,
“yes.” There are a lot of jerks in the workplace but there are also
numerous true colleagues and friends many of whom I am still in contact
with.
So I guess my message is – if you do not enjoy what
you are doing, move on.
Life is too short to be miserable.
And just as an aside – I want to thank all of you
who are still working and supporting me on social security and Medicare.
Keep in mind that I am spending your money judiciously!
L Bill Kalmar is retired in Lake Orion, Michigan,
and is the former Director of the Michigan Quality Council. He is a
frequent contributor to SeniorJournal.com. His opinions are his own.
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