Saturday, August 06, 2011

On Growing Old

An expanded podcast version of "Older and Pithlesser" on work, pride, youth and death at Steve the Builder

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed this. That stuff about realising you're not special enough for God to punish greatly or bless greatly... it struck a chord. Maybe you won't be allowed to but it would be very interesting to hear or read about how the new job works out. And congratulations!

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Darlene said...

I listened to the podcast and the tone of your voice and your delivery reflected your plight well. I also thought what a blessing it is that both you and your wife are entering careers (teaching & counseling) at an age in which most people are retiring or expecting to retire.

Here in Pennsylvania it is nearly impossible for a person in their fifties to be hired for a teaching or counseling job in the public schools. Actually it is difficult for a person in their fifties to be hired just about anywhere. Companies and corporations want the young blood often along with the good looks. All the more then that the Lord has looked down upon you and your wife and shown compassion.

Keep us updated as to your progress. Many blessings in this new phase of your lives.

Steve Robinson said...

Darlene, I know very well how blessed I am to get hired for anything at my age, especially being out of any "loops" and not having any continuing education in any field for over 30 years. Just being self employed for that long is a liability in an application or an interview because people think you're just looking for something to "fill in" until the economy comes back, or you are out of touch with being an employee. The Arizona colleges graduated hundreds of teachers this spring, not to mention all of them that are unemployed, there were dozens of people who applied for my job, some PhD's who were out of work, so we're both VERY blessed to have found jobs in the education field, much less ANY job. Hopefully maturity and experience win the day in the end.

Darlene said...

"Hopefully maturity and experience win the day in the end."

This should definitely be the case in the field of education as well as many other fields. Why it is that youth and minimal experience often win out in the end is a puzzlement to me. I think it has something to do with our society's preoccupation with outward appearance, i.e. good looks and youthfulness. After all, just look at the advertizing business. So much of it is geared toward the younger crowd or those who want to "appear" young and attractive. Finally, I think this focus has to do with the fear of death (and a few other things as well).

Often, a company sees hiring an older person as opposed to a younger person as a liability in the sense that they may have far more health problems and fewer quality and productive years ahead. Insurance companies recognize this.

In the end, though, it's all a gamble since the older person may live 30 years longer because they are mature and recognize their immortality, while the younger person may take far more risks and be a bit more wreckless which doesn't guarantee longevity. "...for youth and the dawn of life are vanity."

Bill M said...

I've not had a chance to comment since you posted this. How is the new job going? Give us an update when you get the time.

It was good to read (and listen to) these thoughts about life transition. It's a big deal, even if our lives are little.