Day 25 - Respect Your Elders

OUTPLACEMENT SESSION
I went to meet my outplacement counselor for the first time. We had exchanged e-mails and I knew that I had met him in the past but could not place the face. When it was time for my appointment Ed ,my counselor, came out to greet me. He looked like he was 10 years old. I was caught off guard because his name sounded like an older man. I envisioned a retired HR person who was doing this job to supplement his social security payments.

He was very nice and I decided I should just go with it and enjoy our session. He provided some insight which was good. We started chatting to kill time. He began telling me about his past work history and all of a sudden we had role reversal. I was mentoring him on his career and how he should progress. OK ... kind of weird.

Once we got the conversation back on track, we started discussing my education section of the resume. The issue was should I put the dates on graduation? So I finally asked him... Do you think I am too old to put my graduation years on the resume?? He kind of scrunched his shoulders and said "yes." (I am 43 by the way)

It hit me hard, I am one of those old overqualified workers that need to mask my age. I have given this advice to other people but I guess it never occurred to me that this rule applies to me too. In another unrelated matter, I received an AARP card with my name on it through the mail yesterday. My husband laughed his ass off and plans to take pictures and put it on the internet.

Getting back to the outplacement session, Ed also suggested that I put together business cards that I can give out during networking or loitering in front of business of interest. It feels weird to me to have marketing business cards. To further reinforce the awkwardness of the matter, he showed me an example where the guy put his picture on it. I had a hard time taking this serious - it kind of wreaked desparate to me. I told my husband about this idea and he did not think it was a bad idea. I have soak on this card concept.

THE MALL

As you know from my last post, I have a second interview and this company confirmed it for Tuesday. I had to quickly go find a suit to replace my fabulous other one. I am still in mourning by the way. Luckily, I found one and was able to get it tailored within a few hours. It made me stay at the mall for a little too long and drink a little too much wine at California Pizza Kitchen while I waited for the alterations to be completed. It would normally be a relaxing experience but there was a little kid who just stared at me for the entire meal. I felt compelled to stick out my tongue but I just let it ride. Everything came together, thank you Nordstroms and a very nice seamstress.

REALIZATION
I am old and AARP is extending me membership into the organization. Realization 2 - I am anxious to get back to work. This preparing for interviews and running frantically through the mall to find the right outfit is too much frivolous stress for me. Thats all for now folks talk to you next week.