Aging & Working - What We Are Just Starting to Jaw-Jaw About

 The media highlights aging professionals who continue to be not only relevant but also have a sustained track record for putting together and successfully implementing fresh initiatives. 

Of course, at the top of the list are the two prime movers at Berkshire Hathaway Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger. 

Then there are those in the now-turbulent sector of Big Law who keep surprising watchers, despite their age. They range from Kirkland & Ellis' Jon Ballis to Paul Weiss' Brad Karp. 

Only now Clint Eastwood, 93, seems to have tamed ambition. But not before making the stunner transition from lackluster action films to aesthetic creations like "Unforgiven."



Unfortunately those players are atypical. Generally, as a personal piece in The Wall Street Journal points out, as professionals age they probably will face the need to downsize ambition. Usually the advice columns primarily jaw-jaw about decisions involved with material possessions such as home ownership and the contents for downsizing.

Has the seeming failure to do just that – tame ambition -"caught up" with entertainer Madonna? On LinkedIn there seems to be relentless striving for attention by those over-65. Not only do they post all-too-often. They are busy bees in commenting, liking and more. Their messaging seems to be: Look at me. 

Sure, the achievement-oriented don't have to throw in the towel on working. Full retirement is becoming an anachronism. However, the majority could be in for unique pain if they don't make an accurate assessment of how much professional runway there really is for them.

Research has shown that overall earnings tend to decline with age. The peaking is at about age 45. More accept that. What they resist is that they will probably not have another peak in performance or like Betty White land in another blockbuster career path. 

In my coaching of aging professionals I advise this: Control the ambition but to still succeed in the game delete other activities from life to focus one-dimensionally on the success that is possible - and probable. Even without aiming at the big time lots of energy has to be invested in remaining relevant and earning income.

One client, 70-something and still doing national sales-training seminars, puts it this way: Either you're totally in the game or you'll be out of the game. She never balks at having to travel. Along the way she has had to give up personal interests such as gardening and volunteering.

Takeaway: Aging and working are not mutually exclusive. But continuing to envision wild success can cause such pain. Ditch that narrative.

I help with all your communications. That ranges from coaching to strategy and research to writing and editing. Complimentary consultation. Please contact Jane Genova at 203-468-8579 (texting and phone) and janegenova374@gmail.com.

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