Comments on: Which is better in the workplace: Recent college grads or 55+ folk?

By: Patty

Patty — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 06:07:55 +0000

Okay, Let’s get real! It’s all about money. The young professional just out of college will work for a great deal less than the guy with 20 years experience! Idiotic! The guy with experience will possibly be the better choice…depending on him. Why? He will most likely be more dependable, loyal, etc. Can new young people have those qualities? Sure! But with the whole attitude today of the world owes these young people a living, they are smarter-faster-more savy- and more invincible than anyone in the world… this choice may be dicey. Are all new, young perspective employees in this catagory…. No, of course not! There are many, many older workers who could be lazy, but does that mean ALL new graduates are Not lazy? NO!
Why do we believe that between black and white (or whatever) that
qualifications, personality, experience and interview impressions should dictate which applicant is hired? Or do we? And why does that not hold true for age? Which by the way, usually includes experience…but also…a track record! For myself, I would take the guy who had not missed a day out sick, wasn’t late, was honest with his dealings with internal and external customers. and most importantly remembered who’s the boss and what roll the customer has in his job and paycheck!

By: Jalena

Jalena — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 21:12:36 +0000

No age holds the best-worker title, but, as an older worker, I think many younger workers don’t work as hard, but, then, many older workers are lazy and complain. Working hard makes the work-day fly, and working with differing ages keeps up morale and healthy respect, so, I’m for a balance in the workforce. I can outwork almost anyone, but it takes its toll. By the end of my 8, I’m exhausted, while the young workers are going out to party.

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By: Rosemary

Rosemary — Sat, 01 May 2010 15:48:14 +0000

I think you have to look at the individual. You can’t decided based on someone’s age. I have worked with young people who were extremely mature and hard working and would never use their computers or cell phones while on the job. Then, I’ve worked with older folks who watch the clock all day, and vice versa. You just can’t judge a book by it’s cover.

By: Roy

Roy — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:43:29 +0000

I agree that experience is the best teacher. I know that learning from the older generation is the best form of knowledge. I am 56 as of today & been unemployed for almost a year. I have heard of the “replacements” for my prior position as a lot younger. The difference is the length of time the “replacements” have stayed. The position has turned over 5 times in the length of my unemployment. Now you tell me – is it the almighty $ keeping companies away from the “experienced” or what?

By: Barbara

Barbara — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:18:51 +0000

I agree that the older generation is best for stability and knowledge. They have respect for their boss and don’t expect everything at once. I was a manger over 39 employees and believe me I would take a more seasoned individual than one right out of college. Most of the older generation are actually going back to school for refresher courses. Now you have the best of both worlds. A seasoned employee with knowledge.

By: JP

JP — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 15:54:42 +0000

We All must work together…the sooner we learn that lesson, the better off the world will be…

By: Misty Kelley

Misty Kelley — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 23:22:29 +0000

As a new unemployed college graduate, I will have to say that I not only disagree with your post, but am downright offended by it. To generalize that the entire younger generation you speak of is one that can’t function in the workplace without having to answer a text message, weren’t raised correctly, and were essentially spoon-fed all of their lives is in my opinion, very close-minded. There are those of us new graduates who have worked extremely hard during college academically as well as being involved heavily in campus and community who are itching to get out and prove ourselves in the workforce. The problem – viewpoints like yours. We need someone who is willing to look at our resume with an open mind, see not only or present accomplishments but our future potential, and give us a chance. My parents are well-off financially, but I am not so naive to know that they haven’t worked extremely hard to get where they are. I have never wanted for anything, but I have also been brought up in a way to appreciate what I have – and that included spankings, not time-outs. I am a ready and willing to work twenty-something who, although doesn’t have the experience of the older generation, but has a drive that is the exact opposite of the behavior you describe of my generation in your article.

By: Sally

Sally — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:05:32 +0000

I totally disagree with this sentiment. I would say younger people work much harder. Usually older people get lazy after doing a job for so long. A younger person brings fire and enthusiasm to an organization, because they have the drive to succeed. Many older people I know are just working towards retirement. More people are delaying retirement however and that is delaying many younger people getting a good start in the workforce. However, I also believe age is just one factor, there are many good older and younger employees.

By: mad drama

mad drama — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 06:23:15 +0000

The main problem that I have with older employees seems to occur when the older “bosses” identify with the age rather than the work ethic. I am a supervisor in my department at a very large and dynamic healthcare facility. There have been several occasions when, given the authority, I would have fired the older employee for pure laziness and carelessness. I have tried to address these issues with my superiors to no avail. My boss is a peer of the lazy person and turns a blind eye to the constant under performance of BASIC job skills. This is not fair to me nor the younger people who are slammed very hard for comparitively minor mistakes.