Growing Old Gracelessly
It's confirmed. I came home from work today feeling old. I don't just mean that I came home tired and in need of a nap. No, today I realized that I have become surplus to requirements. If I disappeared (disappointingly) the place would not grind to a halt. Nor would I be missed by the majority who do not even know my name.
The people running the show at work now are very tall, very slim and VERY young. They listen to me with the half smile and polite deference usually reserved for elderly aunts and deaf grandmothers. Their enthusiasm and energy seems boundless and I admire them for that. I try to bite my tongue when 'new' ideas are put forward instead of saying "So the pendulum has finally swung and THAT'S back in fashion, is it?" but I can feel myself becoming more cynical by the day. It's a short step in teaching from cynicism to burnout so I'd better see if I can muster the energy to master the latest system. And if not then I'll just have to reconcile myself to becoming the old codger in the corner until I'm put out to pasture at the end of the year.
The people running the show at work now are very tall, very slim and VERY young. They listen to me with the half smile and polite deference usually reserved for elderly aunts and deaf grandmothers. Their enthusiasm and energy seems boundless and I admire them for that. I try to bite my tongue when 'new' ideas are put forward instead of saying "So the pendulum has finally swung and THAT'S back in fashion, is it?" but I can feel myself becoming more cynical by the day. It's a short step in teaching from cynicism to burnout so I'd better see if I can muster the energy to master the latest system. And if not then I'll just have to reconcile myself to becoming the old codger in the corner until I'm put out to pasture at the end of the year.
Labels: old age
posted by Kay @ 7:25 PM
3 Comments:
At August 19, 2007 4:48 PM,
Anonymous said…
No, Kay, you're being too polite. People who are up themselves need to be put in their place (i.e. up....).
At September 22, 2007 7:02 AM,
Anonymous said…
Hi Kay,
I know what you mean...When it comes to work, I too have to constantly resist the temptation to pipe up with alarming regularity, 'been there', 'done that', 'tried it', 'didn't work', 'got the t,shirt!' etc. You have made me realise that I have officially joined the old farts club....dos this qualify me to be rude about people and break wind in public with out feeling guilty.....excellent - things are looking up!
At September 22, 2007 7:05 AM,
Anonymous said…
Sorry....I'm not 'anon' as stated in the previous comment, I forgot to add my name....that's it then, it really is official, my short term memory is going..........I AM OLD!!!!!
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