Over Fifty: Still Working: Job Share

I just read this interesting article in Time Magazine on Job Sharing. Check it out here.

As recently as ten years ago, most people still had the notion of working until a specific cut-off date, usually age 65, then retiring to a life of leisure. Golf course communities proliferated and Madison Avenue sold the idea of a life of leisure, laughter and minimal responsibility. Often moving to these communities required a move to a warmer climate such as Nevada, Florida or Arizona and away from the stability of what was familiar: friends, family and often cherished community. At that time, this vision of retirement seemed a wonderful idea, the ideal reward for a life of caring for others and many years of hard work. Work was portrayed as the necessary means for financial survival (which it usually is), and it was rarely viewed in a context other than something to do, get done and be finished with. So retirement loomed as that great pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

The concept was fine. The reality was quite different. Studies showed that traditionally retired people who were used to being active and involved in their jobs and other activities would on average die seven years earlier than those who kept on working or who stayed active. Depression and illness increased and for many their dream of happily ever after not only didn’t materialize, but they found they missed their old lives. If they were a couple and a spouse died, the one left living not only grieved in a new and unfamiliar surrounding, but they were often thrown into having to develop a new community fast. Most people are resilient and most managed. However, this is not the easiest task for anyone, be they sapling or sage. In fact, if one partner became ill the caretaker would often also get ill and sometimes even die. Paradise, as it was sold, had a few dark corners that no one wanted to look at.

Thus, as Boomers are becoming a majority and 50, 60 and 65 are now considered upper middle age instead of old, new kinds of lifestyles (albeit a bit physically slower) are emerging. Retirement communities now advertise themselves as catering to active lifestyles and in fact most are structured to encompass many different ways of living and physical states of health. However, one of the biggest changes has happened in the work world. Whether it’s for love and/or money, people are working longer. Yet they also may need or want more free time. One truism for Sages is that with advanced years, they often have need for more rest and I encourage more play.

Recently I was talking with a very successful job sharing team consisting of two working moms in their thirties. They had realized they were always stressed and that the 1960s message declared they could have missed the mark. Job sharing was their answer to having about as much of everything that they could ask out of life. They were happier, as were their kids, their husbands and their employers. In fact after balking a bit about their job sharing arrangement, their employers realized that 2 plus 2 part time equaled plus 3. There were no sick days off, vacation time was always covered and both women had the energy to put in that extra effort that is so important to success.

When I mentioned to these women that I had seen this concept work with those who were considering retirement, they let out yelps of “right on.” The concept that job sharing was a perfect solution for those who wanted or needed to work but who couldn’t continue to work full time was a novel idea to them. We agreed that perhaps they might write a “How To” book to help every age, and so they will.

Yes, I know finding a perfect partner for your “day spouse” can be as arduous as actually dating. But if you are so inclined, it is well worth the effort. Everyone gains. Many companies are somewhat schizophrenic in this regard. In spite of laws stating they can’t, ageism exists and firms often discriminate in favor of younger workers. At the same time they bemoan the loss of skilled responsible reliable employees. This is especially so when it comes to artesian and crafts people. Job sharing as we Sage is a win for all. Think about it a realistic option. It just may work for you.