Older Men and Employment
Maybe “55 is the new 40” when it comes to social engagements but in the work world, over 55 is a tough place to reside. Older men are facing discrimination in executive and administrative employment.
Nearly 80 percent of respondents say age is now a factor in finding higher wage employment. Before age 45, only 7 percent believe age is a factor. By age 55, 34 percent say age is a factor and from 45 to 60, 79 percent say age is a factor. (Source:
It seems ironic that at a time when men (and women) would have the most value to their companies in terms of experience, knowledge and skills that they are being terminated. The same companies that say they are looking for people who can think critically are eliminating a critical asset in their workplace. The essential components of critical thinking, experience, knowledge and skills are thrown out with the older worker.
The percentage of men employed after age 54 has been dropping steadily and the main culprit appears to be the cost of health insurance. The difference in healthcare premiums between age 54 and 55 will cost a company an additional 50 percent or more in higher premiums. The higher costs have little to do with the actual health of the older person. The fees are based on statistical models that predict the likelihood of a serious illnesses occurring in various age groups.
Essentially, it is cheaper to hire people under 50; a company could have a work force twice as large given the savings in healthcare premiums. Other benefits, such as retirement and sick time, figure in as well making the older worker more of a liability than a value.
Without a universal approach to healthcare, it is unlikely that men will see a reversal of fortunes. Then again, given the war-like attitudes of the neo-cons, enough younger people may die over the 10 years to make it necessary to hire the over 50.
Variable Rates Starting to Take a Toll
Pity the fool was a popular quote from Mr. T on a TV show called the A-Team. This attitude may unfortunately now apply to those families that thought they could afford “starter castles” or homes that are outrageously large and expensive. Of course, the foolish part was buying these homes with exotic mortgages and variable rates that kept monthly obligations at a minimum. Until now.
Now, those rates are expiring or ballooning and monthly obligations are now forcing people into delinquency or worse, foreclosures.
The states with rates under 10 percent include
If you are in a position to sell, get out before you are overwhelmed. The secondary (pre-owned) housing market has many attractive options that are affordable.
As always, buyers beware! If the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
First Amendment
Here is the actual First Amendment to the US Constitution:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
That is a lot to say in such a short paragraph and easy to understand why it is so misunderstood. In one sweeping statement, the idea of religion, free speech, public assembly and having access to government is offered. The First Amendment would have had less misinterpretation if each thought would have been treated separately, but not nearly as much fun. Where would TV writers get ideas for their legal shows?
Looking at one component, the idea of free speech, people need to remember that there are limitations. For example, you do not have free speech at work or in school. Say negative things about your boss and you will probably lose your job. In schools, there is constant vigilance over what is written in school papers or even on the Internet.
Is it fair? Probably not, but it is understood that when you accept a paycheck or taxpayers are paying for public education, that there are boundaries and the need to respect culture. The idea of free speech allows us to have dialog with our friends without the worry of legal repercussions. Free speech is not a license to unfairly criticize or disrupt work or school; just freedom to have conversations.
The best lesson is to learn how to negotiate or to politic for changes. Free speech is not always welcome and may undermine any beneficial changes.
GROWTH <> LEADERSHIP <> EXCELLENCE
© 2006 3 Minute Learning LLC
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