Breaking the Silver Ceiling

According to the Farlex Financial Dictionary, the silver ceiling is an unspoken barrier to hiring or promotion that is experienced by some older employees. A silver ceiling may exist because some in management mistakenly believe older employees are not sufficiently innovative, or simply because they are too close to retirement to implement a long-term vision. We now know nothing is further from the truth!

Special Committee on Aging

A senate hearing was held on September 20, 2004 to bring light to the fact that since 1985, there has been an upturn in the number of older Americans who are choosing to work past the age of 65. They are not ready to sit in a rocking chair just because they happen to be at the traditional retirement age.

Unfortunately, it was also apparent at the hearing that both federal and corporate policies encourage people to retire younger even offering social security benefits as young as 62. In fact, even today, over 75% of people choose to start their social security payments at 62 instead of waiting until the funds fully mature. Corporations often structure their retirement plans to start at a younger age to encourage early retirement so they can bring in lower-paid entry-level workers.

So how did this hearing end? While older employees are paid more, the disputable fact is that older employees simply have more experience and therefore, offer more value to the company overall.

Is 60 the new 40?

I believe it is. Today’s seniors are better educated, healthier, and are living longer than previous generations. They are motivated, creative, and most importantly, have a lifetime of experience that makes them invaluable in any field.

Time for a Change

With age comes the wisdom of knowing what is right in your life, or at least the knowledge that something needs to change. Life is short and it may be the perfect time to find out how to make the most of the coming years. Perhaps you will decide to pursue a promotion, start a business, or further your education, or all three!

How I Can Help

Contact WithinU Coaching today to set up a complimentary 30 minute “What’s Next” session. We’ll get to know each other and determine if your goals align with my coaching expertise.  If we agree to move forward, I’ll develop a customized coaching recommendation outlining the program details.