I love that you are documenting this process. I think we're in a new era - our generation is experienced and expensive, and we live in a world that wants everything impressionable, new, and cheap. It'll be interesting how we navigate that - and I suspect we are simply going to build our own structures.
Your piece speaks to me. I am 53-years-old and NEED to be working full-time. I left a toxic job in Feb 2020 and have been seeking full-time work off and on since then. I was a COVID-19 Case Investigator, a virtual math tutor, and worked part-time from April 2022-July 2024, when I was laid off. I have experienced a tremendous amount of self-growth, survived a health scare in the fall of 2023, and eye surgery in Feb and May 2024. Fortunately, I have had some interviews, a very promising one last week. I have made a promise to myself - that I will not accept a job if I sense any sort of turmoil. I have learned to trust my instincts. The job needs to provide health benefits, and I would love to have a paid day off for a change. I have wondered if my age is a factor, but I decided to display my crown of grey hair with pride. I have earned every single one!
One of the blessings of this time is writing on Substack. I look forward to hearing more about your journey.
Fascinating read! There's so much here that I'm a complete novice to understanding. With all your skills and knowledge, it's just a matter of time before you land on the best project to focus your energy and strike it big.
Excellent piece today, Tom. And excellent questions. Working to understand how we can contribute meaningfully to this world is an honorable quest. You are clearly on your way!
I love that you are documenting this process. I think we're in a new era - our generation is experienced and expensive, and we live in a world that wants everything impressionable, new, and cheap. It'll be interesting how we navigate that - and I suspect we are simply going to build our own structures.
I agree, it is interesting how we navigate this.
Your piece speaks to me. I am 53-years-old and NEED to be working full-time. I left a toxic job in Feb 2020 and have been seeking full-time work off and on since then. I was a COVID-19 Case Investigator, a virtual math tutor, and worked part-time from April 2022-July 2024, when I was laid off. I have experienced a tremendous amount of self-growth, survived a health scare in the fall of 2023, and eye surgery in Feb and May 2024. Fortunately, I have had some interviews, a very promising one last week. I have made a promise to myself - that I will not accept a job if I sense any sort of turmoil. I have learned to trust my instincts. The job needs to provide health benefits, and I would love to have a paid day off for a change. I have wondered if my age is a factor, but I decided to display my crown of grey hair with pride. I have earned every single one!
One of the blessings of this time is writing on Substack. I look forward to hearing more about your journey.
Thank you for sharing your story. We should all be proud to wear our crown of grey hair!
Fascinating read! There's so much here that I'm a complete novice to understanding. With all your skills and knowledge, it's just a matter of time before you land on the best project to focus your energy and strike it big.
Thanks for your well wishes. I know I'll land somewhere, I'm an Engineer after all!
Excellent piece today, Tom. And excellent questions. Working to understand how we can contribute meaningfully to this world is an honorable quest. You are clearly on your way!
Thank you.