I’ve been absent from the blogosphere for the past five months. The main reason is because my wife and I were in the throes of assisting our fathers navigate the final chapters of their respective lives. I didn’t have the energy, focus or inclination to blog or do much of anything else, for that matter. But that’s a subject for future musings.
In my previous post, Performance Anxiety: Understanding the Root of the Problem – Part One, I shared my perspective on the root cause of the problem and introduced the concepts of the “Voice Inside Your Head” (VIYH) as the problem and becoming the dispassionate observer or witness as the solution (read Part One to get up to speed). In Part Two, I will share some specific things you can do, techniques, if you will, to help you achieve a quiet mind and overcome performance anxiety. Here we go…
Stream of Consciousness Journaling: This is the ultimate “to do” list. With pen and paper in hand, write down every thought (voice) in your head. Include everything you need to get done, everything that is bothering you, fears and worries, regrets, hopes and wishes—everything. Dump the entire contents of your head onto the paper. Keep journaling until you can’t think of anything else (now there’s a concept). This has the effect of clearing out your mental closet, allowing you to intuitively connect to your natural gifts and creativity.
Brain Gym Exercises: These exercises will help you get mentally “unstuck” and change the habitual patterns by which your brain tends to function. They are designed to assist the development of your whole brain.
“Cross Crawl” Stand or sit in a comfortable position. Put the right hand across the body to the left knee as you raise it, and then do the same thing for the left hand on the right knee as if you were marching. Do this for at least 2 minutes at a time.
“Hook Ups” Stand or sit. Cross the right leg over the left at the ankles. Take your right wrist and cross it over the left wrist and link up the fingers so that the right wrist is on top. Bend the elbows out and gently turn the fingers in towards the body until they rest on the sternum (breast bone) in the center of the chest. Stay in this position. Keep the ankles crossed and the wrists crossed and then breathe evenly in this position for a few minutes. You will be noticeably calmer after that time. This video may provide a visual aide.
“Lazy 8’s” With a pen and paper, using first your dominant, then your non-dominant hand, draw the infinity sign (the number eight lying on its side) for 1-2 minutes daily.
“Rhythmic Eights” An alternative to #3 that doesn’t require pen and paper is Rhythmic Eights. Also derived from kinesiology principles of rhythmic movement, Rhythmic Eightsconsists of clasping your hands together, fingers and thumbs interlaced, then “drawing” figures of eights in the air for up to a minute each day or whenever needed to quiet the mind.
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT): Utilizing the meridians on which Chinese Acupuncture is based (without the needles), EFT addresses issues such as performance anxiety at the emotional level by stimulating specific meridian points by tapping on them with our fingertips, often in conjunction with self-affirming proclamations. Check out this introductory video:
I suggest you also check out this EFT technique for clearing the Chakras, a techique that can be especially effective when done prior to a performance or speaking engagement.
So now you have some specific techniques for eliminating your performance anxiety. I hope you will take the time to try them out to see which ones are the best fit for you in your daily practice. I also hope you will share your personal experiences, feedback and success stories with me via your comments to this post. Perhaps you have discovered some other techniques that have worked for you. Please share them here as well.
Who out there hasn’t suffered from a bad case of performance anxiety? I’m not talking about that which goes on between the sheets in the privacy of one’s own home. I’m referring to the shaky, dry mouth, clammy-to-sweaty, nauseating, pit-in-the belly, potentially vasovagal, sometimes immobilizing and always highly uncomfortable state of being that is induced whenever one has to perform in front of other people.
Stage fright, fear of public speaking, Glossophobia—whatever you choose to call it; it’s a very real problem. Research shows that fear of public speaking is the number one common phobia on the planet. We fear performing in front of an audience more than we fear dying. Three out of every four of us suffers from performance anxiety.
So what is the root of this problem? Are we just so inherently flawed that we can never hope to overcome it? Though we may be inherently flawed as a species—I prefer to think we are perfectly imperfect—there is, indeed, hope of overcoming performance anxiety. Understanding the root cause (not just the physical symptoms) is the first order of business.
Each of us possesses a component of our psyche that acts as a constant companion. For sake of discussion, we’ll call it the “Voice Inside Your Head” or VIYH, for short. Chances are, as you’re reading this right now your thinking, “What’s he talking about? Is he suggesting I’m hearing voices—that I’m crazy?” Well, I’m not about to pass judgement on your sanity, but that voice asking the questions is the voice to which I’m referring.
The VIYH is the most demanding and attention-craving entity with which we ever have to deal—there’s not even a close second. It shares our birthday and develops inextricably with us as a result of the accumulative programming and conditioning we endure over the course of our lives. It is the palette with which the canvas of our belief system is painted. Though the VIYH is always with us, most of us have never taken the time to get to know it. It’s masterful at keeping us enmeshed with it, making it difficult to see through objective eyes. Difficult, but not impossible. The good news is, we are fully capable of stepping back and observing our VIYH. In order to understand why we are so phobic about performing in public, it’s essential that we do just that—step back and observe.
As we become the observer, we develop the ability to distinguish the VIYH from ourselves. The more practiced we are at being aware of the VIYH talking—whether its voice is loud or soft, its message positive or negative, the more intuitive we become in effectively quieting that voice. Quieting that voice leads to a calm mind, and… ladies and gentlemen (cue drum roll); a calm mind is the secret to overcoming performance anxiety.
In contrast, traditional thinking tells us that performance anxiety is actually a positive, useful tool and critical to optimizing one’s performance—that anxiety can be controlled by utilizing techniques such as deep breathing, positive self-talk and even visualizing the nervous energy leaving the body via the extremities. While these techniques may be helpful for some in certain instances, the question to ask yourself is, What would it look and feel like to eliminate the anxiety altogether? That is to ask, What does a calm mind look and feel like, and how does one get there?
That question, combined with a personal passion for helping artists of all stripes develop a deeper connection with their natural gifts is the inspiration and basis for the launching of Training Intuitive Performersor TIP. TIP is a collaborative effort between yours truly and Cindi Claypatch. It’s an experiential learning course specifically designed for arts educators, stage performers and those who collaborate with them (the technical and artistic folks behind the scenes). It’s based on the Three Principles of Health Realization. This is the stuff, folks, that changes lives—from the inside out.
Part two of this series offers a closer look at some of the techniques one can utilize to achieve a calm mind and eliminate performance anxiety. Stay tuned.
My wife just turned 60 last week (of course she doesn’t look a day over 59). I had spent the better part of the previous month or so planning a celebratory event worthy of this milestone. She is a songwriter with an amazing body of work produced over several decades of collaboration with writing partners and visits from her muse in the wee hours.
So, inspired by the legendary Ralph Edwards (Boomers, you know who he is), armed with an arsenal of unbelievably talented friends and family, I set out to create a fitting tribute to my sweetie’s first 60 years on this mortal plane. It would be along the lines of This is Your Life meets VH1’s Behind the Music as told through a live concert event with surprise guest performances of my wife’s music, lyrics and comedy schtick, by our generous and gifted friends and family members—who just happen to be world-class musicians and actors.
Long story short, the event took place this past Sunday, August 9th. It was an unforgettable, life-changing experience for everyone involved. I’m sharing it here for all to read because it’s a perfect example of how little things inspire us in very big ways when we choose to live Life in the present moment.
While putting this whole thing together, I made a very conscious effort to be present every step of the way. Connecting to my core health, as I am learning to do via my practice of Health Realization, allowed me to experience huge amounts of cathartic emotions: joy, sorrow, surprise, gratitude and love. There was also some regret, but much more hope and optimism. I can say, it just felt so good to feel. I am rejuvenated by the whole experience. It’s like a love hangover, baby—a supernatural high!
The important takeaway here is the carryover effect. It’s sort of like living the Mastercard TV ads only better, because it’s not about material things—it’s about soul food.
And living Life in the present moment has a snowball effect. The more you do it, the more the light of inspiration shines on you. I find myself often immersed in gracefulness. Observing our 22 year old Siamese cat Mooner age with grace and dignity—living life to the fullest—one day, one moment at a time is one example.
Then there’s my 94 year old father-in-law Joe, still running his geodesic dome business with all his radical, political passion for justice and fairness, mustering just enough vitality to see him through the moment—what more does he need?
We all have these inspirational sources in our lives. They need not be celebrities. They only need our focused attention. They are our friends, family members, coworkers, pets, flowers, plants, trees, rivers, lakes, oceans, mountains and sky. They ebb and flow, rise and shine, move and groove or remain perfectly motionless so we can contemplate their beauty and pure essence.
The best news is that each of us has the capacity to experience this. It’s in our core DNA, so-to-speak. It requires a bit of personal awareness and focus on what we can do rather than focusing on our limitations. In the words of the great Kabbalist Yehuda Berg, “You can always find a reason to complain. Finding a reason to be happy is your spiritual work. Today, focus on the best part of your life. Yes, you do have plenty to worry about, I get it, however, the highest level of restriction is your mind—so focus on the good and don’t leave the lesser any room at all!”
animal cracker cookies
South Bay Pet Adoption Center 12910 Yukon Ave. Hawthorne, CA 90250 (310) 676- 1149. Wednesday - Friday 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
animal cake topper
A longtime animal advocate and writer, Mark Hawthorne has engaged in nearly animals in northern California; and SaveABunny, which works with animal
animal friends more
Feb 25, 2010 The dog, a 3-month-old pit bull named Gucci, died in the street about five minutes later before Hawthorne animal control officers arrived.
abbott laboratories animal health
Feb 26, 2009 Hawthorne, CA) to ensure Southern California families put their best paw forward to keep pets healthy and secure.
animal breast milk
1-16 of 56 results for "animal rescue relocation and transport" in Hawthorne, CA . Hawthorne Local Business Directory > animal rescue relocation and
animal language video
File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - Quick ViewYour browser may not have a PDF reader available. Google recommends visiting our text version of this document.Feb 25, 2009 P.O. Box 1755, Hawthorne CA 90251-1755. Hawthorne Animal Services Bureau. ( 310) 349-2948. Hawthorne Trash & Recycling. (310) 349-2987
american sand ar animal figurines
Holistic Animal Care, Stephanie Chalmers DVM web site, Santa Rosa, CA, (707) 538 -4643, 1993 . Hawthorne Animal Health Care, Arthur Freedman, DVM, Salem
anaesthetic machine animal melbourne
Sign In | Register. 1-7 of 7 results for "animal removal" in Hawthorne, CA. Hawthorne Local Business Directory > animal removal. Sponsored Links
animal mating acts
Hawthorne, CA, 90250-6619. Phone: 310-675-6200. Fax: 310-675-6221 Structural pest control, Animal trapping, Rodent control, Bird proofing services,
animal impregnate human
Small animal clinic in Hawthorne. List of services, hours of operation, staff profiles, driving directions, helpful tips, and links.
4h animal replacement policy
Hawthorne Animal Health Care at 120 Canal St, Salem, MA 01970. Beverly Hills , CA or 90210. No recent locations. Close Close
adm animal health and nutrition
Bay Animal Hospital 1801 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 15926 Hawthorne Blvd. Lawndale, CA 90260. Telephone: (310) 542-8018
animal adoption in pleasanton
Hawthorne Animal Control. 4440 W. 126th St. Hawthorne, CA 902504402. County: Los Angeles. Phone: 310-970-7035
an animal poem
Local business listings for Veterinarians in Hawthorne, CA. Hollypark Animal Hospital. 3317 W Rosecrans Ave, Hawthorne, CA, 90250 | Map. Send To Phone
animal alliance la marque tx
12910 Yukon Ave, Hawthorne (310) 676-1149. Los Angeles SPCA/Southern California Humane Society - P.D. Pitchford Campanion Animal Village & Education Center
african sumac toxicity cat small animal
Providing many services for the people and animals of Los Angeles including animal sheltering, cruelty investigation, adoptions, rescue, foster care,
animal cruelty in maine legal cases
South Bay Animal Shelter in Hawthorne California with MapQuest maps and driving directions. South Bay Animal Shelter locations in your local area - maps,
animal ife in yukon terriotory
(626) 914-8275, 150 S. Glendora Ave., Glendora, CA 91740, No. Hawthorne Animal Services Bureau, (310) 675-4443, 4455 W 126th St. Hawthorne, CA 90250, No
after animal and human experimentation
20 posts - 8 authors - Last post: yesterdayLocal news for Hawthorne, CA continually updated from thousands of rejected filing animal cruelty charges against a Hawthorne man who
animal rights and cosmetic industry
Hanford SPCA: 8084 Lacey Blvd, Hanford, CA 209-584-8766. Hawthorne. SPCA LA: 12910 Yukon Ave, Hawthorne, CA (213) 678-2839. Hayward. Hayward Animal Shelter
animal fur pro and con
1 reviewGet directions, reviews, payment information on SPCA Hawthorne located at Hawthorne, CA. Search for other Animal Shelters in Hawthorne.
3d online animal games
Animal Medical Center at 14138 Doty Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250. (310) 978-4065. Phone number, address, map, driving directions, hours of operation and video
animal products in alcohol
File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - View as HTMLYour browser may not have a PDF reader available. Google recommends visiting our text version of this document.Cover photo: A veterinary medical officer with the Animal Hawthorne, CA 90250. Hawthorne: (310) 7251949. Hawthorne Fax: (310) 7259515
animal farm's benjamin
Los Angeles Local Business Directory > animal shelters 8.9 mi; (310) 676- 1149; 12910 Yukon Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250 map · more info | Enhance this
animal adoptions o c
Viewers will also find companies near Hawthorne, CA that provide services similar to City of Hawthorne Animal Shelter Regulations & Control.
ai ai animal
Find a Hawthorne, California (CA) Animal Law law firm or lawyer. Contact a Animal Law attorney in Hawthorne, California (CA) by phone, fax or email on
animal assisted therapy idaho
Find Animal & Wildlife Attractions in Los Angeles - Hawthorne, CA at Locallife. com. Online listing of Los Angeles - Hawthorne Animal & Wildlife Attractions.
animal collective baleen sample
Find all 1559 Volunteer jobs in Hawthorne at Simply Hired, the largest search engine for jobs. Baldwin Park Animal Shelter - Baldwin Park, CA
animal dip that smells like diesel
Find Animal Hospital in Hawthorne, California. Search Local Animal Hospital results 1-11 in Hawthorne, CA yellow pages, Animal Care, Animals and Pets.
animal collective judy
Animal Medical Clinic (424)-206-4529 2006 Artesia Blvd Redondo Beach, CA. Related Articles. Malignant Muscle Tumor in Dogs Hawthorne CA
alphabet animal pages
Reviews and ratings for Troubles Den, Hawthorne, CA 90250. (310) 973-8725. Get maps, directions, address and See more profiles in Pest & Animal Control.
animal back packs
Animal activism around the world. The California camp will be located at the Quaker Center in Ben Lomond and will be divided into two sessions. the Roots by Mark Hawthorne, the #1 resource for more effective animal activism.
albany ny animal shelters
4871 West Rosecrans Avenue. Hawthorne, CA. Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital of L A County. Give Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital of L A County premium priority
animal fur used to make paintbrushes
Cancer in Guinea Pigs Hawthorne CA. Lymphosarcoma is diagnosed through evaluation of a lymph node aspirate or biopsy. Animals with leukemia have a very high
animal animal animal
Get all the local information you need on Hawthorne, California, CA - community Find a local animal shelter · Report animal cruelty. Photos & post cards
adirondack animal hospital queensbury
13201 Crenshaw Boulevard Hawthorne, CA 90250. Industry: Floor laying and floor work, misc Hawthorne, CA 90250. Industry: Animal and marine fats and oils
agricultural biotechnology topics animal biotechnology
City of Hawthorne Animal Shelter-Regulations & Control, , Hawthorne, CA. Tel: 310-349-2952. Come to MerchantCircle to get City of Hawthorne Animal
against animal euthanasia
4871 W Rosecrans Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250. "We were referred to this animal hospital by our regular vet when we got our bird. They are so friendly and it is
animal america colleyville
Hawthorne Animal Hospital at 960 Stewart Blvd, Brockville, ON K6V 7H2.
animal abuse newsletter
Classifieds & Want Ads around Hawthorne, CA California. Apr 25, Animals - Pets, JoJo needs a new family, 100+ SE San Diego, CA, $40
animal cruelty speech for school
How to Get Punitive Damages Without Suing Hawthorne CA - Road Traffic Accidents Hawthorne CA How Much Is Your Personal Injury Claim Worth? Hawthorne CA
animal classification dog family
Jan 17, 2010 Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital of LA County - Hawthorne, CA 90250-6613 - Directory Information.
animal eyeglass holder
Hawthorne California (CA) florists can create arrangements using the California state flower (poppy) and the California (CA) state insect (California
animal abuse in maine
Apr 17, 2008 Hawthorne Veterinary Clinic - The Hawthorne Veterinary Clinic is a holistic animal clinic that strives to promote the health and well being
animal kingdom brochure
Additional Shelters in Southern California Courtesy of Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control. spcaLA. 12910 Yukon Ave. Hawthorne, CA 90250 (310) 676-1149
animal crossing sparkly eyes
Hollypark Animal Hospital 3317 W Rosecrans Ave Hawthorne, CA (310) 675-0301 Vca Clarmar Animal Hospital 20805 Hawthorne Blvd Torrance, CA (310) 371-2474
animal facts wolverines
Search Veterinarians in the YellowUSA Hawthorne, California neighborhood. Internet Yellow Pages for Veterinarians in Hawthorne, CA.
3d animal animations
Bayside Medical Center is located at Hawthorne CA. Phone: 323 757 2118. Bayside Animal Medical Center - Located in Severna Park MD, provides a gentle
animal adoption crate tags
1-16 of 861 results for "animal hospitals and veterinary clinics" in Hawthorne, CA. Hawthorne Local Business Directory > animal hospitals and veterinary
animal liberation fois grois
Top Animal Shelters in Hawthorne - $biz_names. 13251 Hawthorne Blvd Hawthorne, CA 90250. (310) 676-8654. 6. Perfect Pet Rescue
animal assisted education in schools
Read and write reviews on category Hawthorne Animal Shelter. Get phone numbers, ratings, maps, directions and more for Animal Shelter in Hawthorne, CA.
animal curators job description
3 posts - 3 authors - Last post: May 26CA - Hawthorne man arrested on animal cruelty charges for alleged dog "She's actually a very, very good girl," Hawthorne animal control
animal control victoria bc
Veterinary Technician jobs in Hawthorne, Ca from CNNMoney.com. Search all Veterinary Technician jobs to find the best career for you.
amazing animal facts for kids
13251 Hawthorne Blvd, Hawthorne, CA 90250 Map, +1 310.676.8654. Hawthorne, Animal Control · Society For the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles
animal medication formulations
South Bay Animal Shelter in Hawthorne. Come to Citysearch to get information, directions, and reviews on South Bay Animal Shelter and other Animal Shelters
animal control group for yadkin county
The median age of people living in Hawthorne, CA was 28.7 at the time of the last full . Animal Planet's best dog parks in California from Animal Planet Find great local resources - all at the Hawthorne California community
animal careers edmonton
Hawthorne Southern California Humane Society/Hawthorne 310-676-1149 12910 Yukon Avenue Hawthorne, CA 90250. San Pedro Harbor Animal Care and Control Center
animal assisted therapy los angeles
Hawthorne-South Bay, Dogs, Bichon, For The Animals - (310) 679-3435. California, Dogs, Border Collie, Border Collie Rescue of California, Yes
animal lover gifts animal figurines
Employment, job listings, help wanted and job postings in Hawthorne, California (CA). MuniNet Guide's list of job openings and listings for Hawthorne,
all our pets animal hospital
Find the best animal shelters & humane societies and services in Hawthorne California, DogTime's Local Pet Listings help you find Pet Shops,
animal murder video
Find Clinics in Hawthorne, CA on YiPpIe! Animal Medical Center 14138 Doty Avenue Hawthorne, CA 90250 · (310)978-4065
acacia animal hospital lighthouse point
Nearby Animal Services. Mr GS Pride & Groom. 5938 Florence Ave, Bell, CA 90201. (323) 771-7587. S P C A So Calif Humane Soc. 12910 Yukon Ave, Hawthorne,
animal control hillsborough county fl
LA Hawthorne California (CA) Government in Los Angeles County. Category - Animal Control / Pounds / Licenses / Vaccinations, City / Municipal Hawthorne
animal haven de
South Bay Animal Shelter in Hawthorne, CA -- Map, Phone Number, Reviews, Photos and Video Profile for Hawthorne South Bay Animal Shelter.
animal e r
Lawyers Hawthorne California - Attorney Profiles Hawthorne, CA - Cornell LII Lawyer Animal / Dog Law, Car Accidents, Employment Law, Injury Law,
animal adoption phoenix
HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA United States Last Login: 6/3/2010 Movies, Animal House, Fast Times At Richmont High, Daised and Confused, and Half Baked.
altavista animal hospital
Dr. Walter J. Rosskopf owner of the Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital in Hawthorne, California. Dr. Rosskopf has extensive experience in treating a wide
animal collective april and the phantom
Hawthorne Animal Shelter (SPCA-LA), Hawthorne, CA I hope you can come help this Friday cause I need all the help I can get.
animal name z
The mission of Animal Control is to provide service to the citizens and municipal workers of Hawthorne regarding all animal related issues.
animal nutrition and hibernation
Animal Medical Center is a veterinarian or animal hospital at 14138 Doty Avenue Hawthorne, CA 90250 and provides emergency animal care.
animal abuse no pets
psoriasis in Hawthorne come from biology: drugs made from human or animal proteins that Working Psoriasis Treatment into Everyday Life Hawthorne CA
animal bill 50 passed
Glendora City Animal Control 150 South Glendora Avenue Glendora, CA 91704 S (626 ) 914-8275. SPCA LA Los Angeles 12910 Yukon Ave Hawthorne, CA 90250
an animal following zygote
1-16 of 1281 results for "veterinarians" in Hawthorne, CA. Hawthorne Local Business Directory > veterinarians Hollypark Animal Hospital. Write Review
animal kingdom west palm beach
Veterinary Medicine in Hawthorne, CA on Yahoo! Local Get Ratings & Reviews on Veterinary Medicine with Photos, Maps, Driving Directions and more.
animal kingdom and monogamy
Find Hawthorne Animal Bites Lawyers, Attorney, Lawyer, Attorneys, Law firms - CA - Animal Bites lawyers in Hawthorne California.
animal house karenn
South Bay Shelter 12910 Yukon Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250 Map 310 676-1149. Top of Page. Animal Shelters - Hermosa Beach. Hermosa Beach Animal Control
acres north animal hospital san antonio
His first foals race in 2007. $1000. Shipped semen available. Contact Lonna Gerstner, at Hawthorne Animal Hospital, or Dan Kendall, (208) 251-5031.
In the interest of bringing some different perspective to the conversation, I recently interviewed a couple of Human Resources professionals representing contrasting generations. The topic is workforce trends. First up is Jessica Treft, who is a Human Resources Coordinator in Minneapolis specializing in on-boarding, organizational development and team-building. In this interview, Jessica shares some of her insights and observations on the topic at hand from the “millennial” perspective. As a Human Resources professional who also happens to fall within the Generation Y demographic (children of the 80s), can you share your personal experience and insight relative to the productivity and performance of baby boomers (50+) in the workplace?
Baby boomers have different work ethics than Gen Y’ers. Boomers take on assigned tasks and just take off, get them done and report back. They give you exactly what you asked for.
How does that contrast with Gen Y workers?
Gen Y’ers will give you what you asked for plus four alternatives from which to choose. They want to be included in the bigger picture from the beginning. They are collaborators in the truest sense of the word. They want to demonstrate they’re capable of taking on more and will throw all their ideas out there to see what sticks. They want to be perceived as “Superstars”.
Interestingly, Gen Y’ers are more persistent in their pursuit of positions than are baby boomers—to the point of being a nuisance. Then there are the “helicopter” parents who literally hover around on their child’s behalf. I’ve fielded calls on numerous occasions from parents of candidates who expect a status report on the hiring process. Needless to say, that leads to immediate disqualification of that candidate! I can only hope these parents learn their lesson after the first time.
What are the advantages of hiring workers who are 50+? The disadvantages?
Mature workers have more developed soft skills, which is a big advantage. They don’t need much, if any hand-holding. They also have more refined written and verbal communication skills.. They can be more rigid and set in their ways than younger workers and less inclined to share and collaborate, though I consider that more of a hurdle than a disadvantage.
On the other hand, Gen Y’ers, while very adept at new technologies, need help with the “heavy lifting” stuff such as scanners, copiers and faxes. They often need to be shown two-three times how to operate these typical office machines.
Suffice to say, there are inter-generational factors at play in the workplace that present challenges to managers.
In your opinion, is it more or less challenging for mature workers to find meaningful employment in this economy? Why?
From what I’ve seen, it is a bigger challenge for mature workers. They are being asked to take on more responsibilities for the same or even less pay. That has to be a difficult adjustment. At the same time, during this current recession, layoffs have been fairly evenly split between boomers and Gen Y’ers. There are a lot of mature workers who have been laid off only to see their jobs posted a few weeks later at much lower salaries.
There are two completely different mind sets at work here. Gen Y’ers are changing jobs every year or two anyway, so they have an easier transition—they’re already in that mindset.
What industries or tracks do you see offering the greatest opportunities for baby boomers right now? In five years?
For baby boomers, I think there are more entrepreneurial opportunities right now and for the next five years. Many new grads are delaying their entry into the workforce by staying in school and getting advanced degrees, hoping the job climate will improve over the next few years.
Jessica Treft has successfully transitioned in her career from the music industry to the more stable field of Human Resources Management. In that time she’s experienced the inner-workings of both for-profit corporations as well as not-for-profit organizations. She is passionate about lifelong learning and the pursuit of personal and professional development.
