Are you feeling a little isolated at work due to age?

Changes over the years

Employees nearing retirement were once in the thick of things, helping a business or institution grow and they were key players in their professional field. Still, younger employees can now consider their ways outdated, old-fashioned or irrelevant. This can be destabilizing initially for those aging but not ready for retirement. Questions arise for the older employees, e.g., “Do I stay quiet at the meeting or still articulate what I think?”  “How is it that my ideas are accepted and then presented later as the ideas of my younger colleagues?” The shift from being the primary person to a lesser person in the hierarchical chain is jarring. While structurally older employees are higher up on the ladder, the employees below may be less enthusiastic and accepting of older co-workers.  It can be disheartening to older employees and it may begin to fuel their move towards finishing up and taking retirement earlier than anticipated.  This experience can trigger a sense of a loss of one's identity. A bit of depression can seep in.  Everyone wants to end on a high note, but with the feeling that the workplace is being taken over by Millennials, it can be distressing. 

Instead of feeling like you’ve accomplished something in your career, you can feel a little sad.  It is important to process these feelings to ensure that retirement will start well for you emotionally and psychologically if retirement is chosen early.  It is also important not to let feelings of irrelevancy creep in and force you into an earlier retirement. Financially, waiting for a few more years may make more sense. You should feel or think you must retire, but you should “make things work for you”.  If struggling to make the best decision, counselling could help you talk things out in a confidential environment and help you to consider strategies to pull back a little and let the younger generations “do their thing” but also enjoy the wisdom you have gained.  While younger people always think older people are a little out of touch, time will show them that what you say and how you say it can make a lasting mark.  Many young people are seeking a mentor, they may not just come out and say it.  It is sometimes good to unpack what you are feeling with someone who also gets it.  All of us are aging and seeing younger people coming up behind us.  As for feeling irrelevant at work or in other settings, what must you do to find that purpose and meaning?  If you think I can help professionally, let’s talk. Counselling for those approaching retirement is common.  It can help make a difference when making an important life transition.