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Is There a Time to Give Up?

2/1/2016

2 Comments

 
You might have noticed that I did not write anything in January. There is a reason. It follows.

Is there a time that a senior should just give up? I have friends who have done just this. They are considerably older than I am, but they have given up and given in. They rely on others to do for them and are content to just sit or lie around at home every day. They watch TV, read magazines, and sleep a lot. I wonder sometimes if I should just give in and give up.

It is against my basic nature. I always have a plan and search for ways to achieve it. I dream of better times and try to follow those dreams. But sometimes it is very hard to buck the system that wants us seniors out of the way.

I have spent many months looking for part time work. Let me tell you - discrimination is still rampant in the work force. Being a woman was always hard and now I have the euphemism “over-qualified,” meaning that I am old, to add to that. Why wouldn’t a smart manager want someone mature, responsible, and over –qualified to work at their company? I would not ditch the job on Friday because of a date, a party, a game, or even a hangover. I would not be out of temper because of a breakup or fight with a friend. I would be an asset. But I am not considered one. So…. I have given up on finding a real job. I have tried to create paid work and that is not really going that well either.

I have found that it is hard to make real friends now. You know, people like me. I cannot be that unique that there is no one around in this city that is not a little bit like me. This creates intense loneliness. I have to rely on the phone to reach out to old friends. No personal relationships here.
​

So, is it time to give up and sit, watch TV, read, and sleep? Is it time to give up hope for fun, stimulation, friends and all kinds of new things and people? Today, I am thinking so. I hope tomorrow my positive attitude will return and I will continue my quest for a good life, even though I am a senior. But today, it does not look so good.
 
 
 
 
2 Comments
Angela
2/2/2016 08:21:23 am

I am so sorry you are feeling like this, Peggy! Though it's been many years, I know firsthand how amazing you are and how much you have to offer. I am saddened to hear that you are struggling to find a company or organization that will take advantage of your experience, wisdom, and education. I have been hearing so much lately about how hard it is for women over 50 to find productive work. Scares the hell out of me! I'm turning 46 this year with a younger child. If anything were to happen to my employment in the next several years, I shudder to think what could happen. You are valuable. You are amazing. Never, ever give up!

Reply
Bobbi Weaver
2/5/2016 10:29:51 am

Peggy,
Why don't you step outside you comfort zone and help a candidate run for office or run for office yourself? You have the credentials, experience and strength to make a difference in your community and education system.

Reply



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    I am a retired teacher and IT trainer who has travelled a bit and learned many life lessons.

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