Editor’s Note: I’m Wanda and I’m answering questions that you may have on a variety of subjects while also seeking your thoughts on issues. While some things are considered an opinion they are also sometimes paralleled by hard facts and, most importantly, genuine heartfelt feelings. No, I’m not the “know it all” expert, but we can certainly start a conversation.
Willard Scott used to celebrate the elderly who had reached 100 years old with sponsorship from Schumacher’s Jelly. It was always something to look forward to. Oh, who is Willard Scott (March 7, 1934-Sept 4, 2021)? He was the weatherman who highlighted centenarian celebrations on the NBC network, in addition to reporting the weather, during NBC’s Today Show.
Yes, it was a big deal to find someone who lived to be 100+ years old! For years we have read how people lived to be an inconceivable age in the Bible, but we were just as perplexed when we heard of people living to be 100 years old in this lifetime. Indeed, it is still a grand time of celebration and a magnificent milestone today, however, currently it seems to be a reasonable age to expect in a life’s span.
People who were born in the 1960s are now confronted with strangers greeting them with, “Hey Unc,” “What’s up Old School,” and “Hi Auntie” as their salutations. I don’t know why they choose those titles, but it has a connotation of being friendly and kind to an elder.
As people live longer, some are continuing to work well into their 60s, 70s, 80s (clearing my throat as we are swept up in a presidential election) and, sometimes even their 90s. Whether it is by choice or out of necessity, some people are quite able and some, who may experience physical challenges, remain mentally astute. Recently, while engaged in a conversation with a person in their 60s, I was asked if their resume seemed to depict them as too old or too Black? Of course, in their “hay day,” these were great attributes to add to a resume: being a founder of Black organizations or a member of Black start-up projects and the like. Yet, now, a job fair is filled with young job seekers 40 years their junior. And, while excited about the prospect, employers decline their application.
Are you too old for what? And are you too Black to who?
I would suggest you not alter your background to try and reflect a more lenient life. You are who you are, and your story is yours to be proud. During the time you were the age of these “young folks” today, you had great accomplishments. And still today you bring wisdom and a greater work ethic, often better than some of the younger job seekers.
You have great skills that have been cultivated over the years and you may want to consider utilizing those skills on a Do It Yourself (DIY) basis. The current job culture is full of DIY opportunities for making a living.
As we cannot provide all the answers in one article, readers are welcome to share information or thoughts on this subject or any subject.
Send a question or a comment, email: HeyWandaClay@gmail.com. You caught me at the “write” time!
