One way of successful ageing is to stay relevant and employable

This post came out from The Straits Times (22 March 2012)
Title - Re-invent yourself

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Challenges
2. Re-invention tactics

On Challenges

• Competition for jobs with younger workers, worsened by some employers who may prefer not to hire mature employees
• Physiological changes that limit their choice of jobs
• Discovering that their skills may not be current or effective, coupled with the belief that re-training or learning new tasks is difficult
• Establishing a good relationship with colleagues from different generations
• The perception that seniors should be happy retiring from the workforce
• Social embarrassmnet of "having" to work to generate income or being coerced into accepting a lower status job

On Re-invention tactics

• Look for work that brings you job. For example, someone with a passion for gardening could explore whether there are any work opportunities at the local nursery
• Know your strengths and find work that can maximise these abilities. Learn how to become your own best salesman and be proud of your talents. Everyone will have something unique.
• Practise "motivational self-talk". This will ensure that you remain curious and cheerful. Where possible, choose to engage with other positive or like-minded people and steer away from those who sap your self-esteem.
• Acquire basic work skills. This means updating your computer skills, learning how to use Mircrosoft Office applications, and understanding how to use technology such as e-mail, smartphones or applications like Skype.
• Forget about the number of candles on your birthday cake.

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big