With the majority of today's workforce over 50, I am surprised that this can even be an issue. But the issue isn't the physical age of the person, it is their mindset. An "old fart" is someone who:
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Thinks they know everything and is unwilling to change
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Has high, often unrealistic salary expectations
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Is slow to adapt to new concepts/ideas
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Looks down on the younger, less experienced worker
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Doesn't understand new technology
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Is counting down the days until they retire (not engaged/short-timer)
To eliminate the perception of "old fartism", disprove these stereotypes in all communication.
Here's a challenge: create a Facebook profile, try text messaging and even try Twitter. Read about the X and Y Generations and understand what motivates them and what makes them tick. The values are a bit different, and sometimes their communication style is too.
We can learn a lot about each other. Bridge the gaps and join the new workforce.
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
