Boomer Values

As noted in my previous posts, at seventy-four years old I am still professionally active. Staying engaged and involved is my defense against aging. I refuse to grow old.

I was happy to get my last role because it presented an opportunity for learning. I went from the building design side to manufacturing. That company was launched (with Venture Capital funding) by two engineering graduates who are about thirty years younger than I.

In my usual style, I poured in dozens of extra hours for the salaried position. I worked nights and weekends to meet deadlines, because that’s what Boomers do. I was recognized (verbally) for that commitment. I received compliments from the company’s clients. But it took months to secure a well-deserved salary adjustment.

My final project, a massive student housing complex at my alma mater, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, took a bizarre turn. The company's CEO, in a classic case of micromanagement, insisted I fill out a spreadsheet detailing every potential obstacle to project completion. Instead of focusing on the actual work, I was expected to anticipate and document every possible issue. This seemingly trivial task escalated into a major conflict, culminating in my abrupt termination for "lack of performance."

The irony is that the company maintained an “Unlimited PTO” policy, under which there is no accrued benefit. I took three days off in fifteen months, and anticipated receiving two weeks pay for the unused time off. Instead I received a big, fat zero.

Lesson learned, I suppose.

#workplaceethics #generationaldifferences #worklife #lifelessons