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Career Phases-Make Them Count
By Maury Maurer
Most of us need 40 years or more of gainful employment. At one time a young
person could get a job with a stable company, loyally work for the company his
entire working life, and retire from it with good will and an adequate pension,
and maybe a gold watch. That was my father-in-law’s experience with
Westinghouse. Not so any more. Most of us can attest to that. Therefore, it
behooves us to improve our portfolio of capabilities and our network of
associates as we go through our working life. Perhaps of more value than is
immediately obvious is the training and certifications that can be obtained
through ASQ resources and activities. I believe we should work to be good in a
specific area but not to become as narrow or proprietary as to put ourselves out
of the market if there is some shift in emphasis. If you are currently in an
obsolete or “program-dujour” job, prepare for the next one. Your experience in
old technology might be useful in a segment of a current market.
Today, it seems that employees in professional quality areas that find
themselves unemployed, market themselves in consulting or training. This seems
to work with some success. I am reminded of story. A king wanted to leave a wise
legacy that would live on through generations so he gathered his wise men and
philosophers together to develop this legacy. After some time they came back to
the king. They had found a simple statement that would be timeless: “This too
shall pass.” I would suggest using the interim activity as a ladder rung to what
might be the next area of focus, for “This too shall pass.” Be flexible, be
current, it is surprising where you can find jobs. Some of them are better than
you had.
After some 40 years of employment we should have gathered more than Social
Security, a 401k and a basketful of “things.” Again– a story. One time long ago
when a great king, the ruler of a very prosperous nation, came to the end of his
life, his son became king.* The people asked for relief from some of the burdens
that the old king had required of them. The new king asked advice of two groups
of people. The first was the old men and the second was the young men. The older
men had an insight and knowledge from years of experience to give him. However,
the young king chose to ignore the advice of this group and the result was that
most of the nation rebelled and the kingdom was divided, never to regain its
former prosperity. We don’t want that to happen here. We should have gained
insight and knowledge in resolving situations along the way. When we reach
retirement years we are given more liberty as to what we choose to do with our
time and the experience we have gained. We won’t take it with us. It is
particularly rewarding, even without financial gain, to use these assets in
helping establish our culture and nation. Our advice may not always be wanted or
sought but we should find a niche where it can be used for the general welfare
of our nation, even if only in our little corner. I believe that the worst
things we can do for our own welfare, as well as the general welfare is to; 1)
do nothing, or 2) indulge ourselves in self-serving activities. Both of these
turn our focus inward. Find or develop, and fill a niche where you can apply
your resources in something solely for the benefit of others. Experience the
satisfaction and inhale the new horizons!
* 1 Kings 11:43
Comments: Maury Maurer has passed away. We, at
Chicago section board, miss him and his services!
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