The Seasons Go ‘Round and ‘Round

Recently, my sister sent me an email, which said in part, “My company is going to be experiencing some job cuts, and restructuring. So...I am thinking I probably won't make it through this round. I have seen several in my years here, but this may be the end of the road for me. They are to start as soon as April and will continue over the next 3 years.”

Her email didn’t surprise me, since I’d read the news in the paper that morning. I worry for her, though. She’s been with the company for over thirty years. She lives in a rather rural area so opportunities are not there. However, even if any prospects did exist, would she be considered an asset with all her years of experience?

Wisdom and know-how don’t seem to have the value they once had in society. I’m not sure if those two qualities ever were appreciated in the corporate world, though. It’s a dichotomy, to be sure, one that my sister is suddenly feeling first-hand; one that most employees experience as the years go by. But not in the beginning; not when they work hard to prove themselves. Then once they are acclimated, they suddenly realize that they are a plus to their company. They are the go-to person. They know the company inside and out. Bonuses are generous and they take several leaps on the rungs of the corporate ladder.

Then ever so subtly, or maybe not quite so subtly, things began to shift. The seasoned employee doesn’t bother learning any new computer programs. “We never did it that way before,” they tell the younger, more energetic kids, “and we managed just fine all these years.” They notice how the boss’s eyes have a glint when speaking to these wunderkinds who don’t cost as much to keep on the payroll. The wizened employee catches a glimpse of him or herself in the mirror and sees someone who looks tired and drained of resources. They begin to feel unappreciated and find themselves struggling to keep up without appearing desperate while the clock is ticking.

Are there lessons to be learned? Or is it simply a pattern we must accept? I’m guessing my sister is asking herself those very questions while trying to figure out her next move.