Time With Sands – Being 20 and Being 60

Are you saying, then, that there are no differences between being 20 and being 60? I am different now than I was in my 20s. Right? It is a false statement to say I’m the same. Physiologically, I am not as fast. My recovery is kind of slower. Cognitively, I think my thought process is much quicker, so it’s not erasing. It’s about equality, not sameness. It’s acknowledging the pros and cons, right?

-James B.

Yes. Or the weaknesses and strengths because weaknesses can be strengthened and strengths can also be strengthened, so I’d rather take it that way. It’s a positive, it’s just positive shift. It’s like comparing an adolescent to someone in their 30s. Of course, there are differences, but we’re pulling on that whole continuum of life experiences as we age.

As a young person, I might be looking for a promotion. I want old people to retire because that clears the path for me to take a bigger role, and yet as a more senior person, I wonder.

But there might be a solution for everyone: the older worker might be a consultant or might job share. And those kinds of flexible solutions that build a positive culture has to be really supported by top leadership. It has to start at the top.

For example, job sharing could be a young father who wants to be home part-time. The older person could be in a mentoring role and the younger one could help the mentor stay on top of the newest trends.
You know, the old apprentice model, apprenticeship model, I believe has to come back. We have a shortage of skills. We do not have enough skilled workers. How best to do that with our younger generations but to team up in an apprenticeship mode with those who are more advanced, more experienced, and perhaps even more successful?