Spring

Hooray, it’s spring! I love this time of year. Gardeners are preparing their soil. Trees are starting to bud. Robins are gathering in the trees, and flowers are beginning to bloom. Even if we get a seasonal snow, I know that soon, the crunching sound of cars on icy snow will give way to the hum of lawn mowers and the chatter of birds and squirrels.

I think I’m ready for this spring. In spite of my mantra that women shouldn’t sweat getting older, I must admit I am sweating the big 5-oh, which will hit me in about six weeks. Next week, my daughter is taking me to the hot springs in Buena Vista, Colorado (The locals pronounce it Bewnee). Because she’s on spring break, this is the best time for her to give me an early birthday present. We’ll spend two days hanging out and catching up. I’m looking forward to it.

Another layoff

I have just experienced another layoff. As a consultant to the company conducting the layoffs, I didn’t lose my livelihood. I lost a client. Even so, it was a wretched experience. Layoffs always come as an incredible blow. The employer may tell us, “Don’t take this personally, it has nothing to do with you…” If I’m the one who got laid off, I can’t help but take it personally.

After the shock of being told your job is going away, there’s the reality of the dreaded job search. For every new position that opens, there are countless applicants. Some possess youthful looks, and lack encumbrances like families, mortgages, and credit card debt. Others may lack the wisdom, seasoning, and customer service skills that we mid-lifers have gathered over the years, but they may be more flexible with salaries or familiar with newer technology to give them just enough of an edge to get the job offer. If we have become complacent in our jobs, or if we haven't developed new skills, we don’t stand a chance in such a competitive job market.

I understand why these most recent layoffs occurred. I cannot vilify my client. Business, after all, is business. I can feel compassion for those who have to figure out what to do next, after the reality has set in. Those who’ve read my blog may wonder what this has to do with getting older. Sadly, the older we get, the greater our chances of being laid off. Many of us have endured this experience more than once. No matter how many times I’ve seen been down this road, it doesn’t get easier – and after witnessing this last round, I’ve decided it gets worse.