Over the weekend, I was reading an article that quoted statistics regarding companies utilizing early retirement options for its "older" workers. It reported that a great number of companies are currently purging themselves of more mature workers. They seem to feel it in their best interest.
What was considered an older, mature worker? You are now considered in that category if you're in your mid 40's and up within many industries.
I don't know if it's because I'm staring down a fast approaching birthday or not, but this really got me thinking and reflecting on my own profession and career. Okay ... my age too!
In this day and age, in many industries ... according to this article ... I'd be considered a real antique. If in another profession, I too could be facing this early retirement dilemma. This article served to get me a little "fired-up" ... maybe even a little defensive about my "advanced" years and the seemingly negative effect many companies 
feel they would inflict on their bottom line.
As with anything, I guess there are pros and cons to this issue. The young professionals have skills that I admire and yes ... even are a little jealous of. They use the modern-day technology as almost an extension of themselves, almost another appendage. At their age, I thought a "selectric" typewriter was high-tech.
Admittedly, the techno stuff doesn't come to me quite as naturally. But, perhaps even more importantly for a company considering dollars and cents, the youngsters are at the onset of their careers, which typically means they are demanding a lower salary and are less of a "health" risk. Costs of having them around are lower and friendlier for the "bottom-line".
The speed at which changes and new information bombard our world seem to effect these younger workers very little too. They are used to a world that operates like that because that was what they were born into. Being a child of the 50's and 60's, I came from a time where life was a little less hectic. Media and news didn't attack your eyes and ears around the clock like it does
now. There was "down time". Life moved more slowly.
Also in contrast to this younger generation, my career started at a time and in a place where I was expected to learn the business from the ground up. I started my career as a teller in a savings and loan. At the same time I was performing that function, I was attending classes for real estate and appraising. I became licensed in both. Having that extra knowledge and background really helped.
It was expected that I'd take classes while moving up my career ladder ... this all while moving up real ladders when changing lightbulbs, making sure the S&L lawn was mowed, or checking for leaks in the roof of the branch I managed. (I still get smart comments from people that knew me then about coming to fix their lights that are out!)
I also spent time in the accounting division of the company. Learned the ABC's of finance and lending from the trenches. I then moved into the small loan division of the S&L, taking applications for car loans and small installment loans. I worked my way up to the real estate department and mortgages. I sat in on loan approval meetings with the Board of Directors. Packaged loan files for sale and delivery to smaller S&L's. Prepared for and dealt with government auditors. Prepared mass tax escrow payments with the county. Attended local Chamber of Commerce meetings on behalf of the company. Held Chamber offices. Continuing education was gained both in and out of the class room.
Things are different now. Designations and degrees are available in hundreds of specific fields and careers. To put it in laymans terms ... everyone coming out of college now is a "pedigree". They've studied their chosen field in more precise actuality and detail. 
I'm a "mut". I'm made up of a myriad of backgrounds and fields. I've heard and read that dogs that are "muts" are typically more healthy. Less likely to suffer or succomb from as many issues.
There have been so many times that I have been so glad that I am a mut. I think it's contributed to my survival. The extra knowledge and insight I gained from learning my profession in the old-fashion manner has contributed to my abilities to get my job done successfully in a million ways. What I learned by "doing" ... what I gained by "having done that" ... what I experienced from "working my way up the ladder" benefited me, my referral partners, and my customers daily.
Simply put, I have knowledge and expertise you can only learn over time and with age. I think of the many agents I know that are of my generation. The same can be said of them also.
I ask then ... at what age do you put all that knowledge and expertise out to pasture? At what age can you no longer contribute something worthwhile? When someone is 40? 45? 50? 55? Older? What valuable resources are lost when that is done? What wealth of knowledge thrown away? What insight, reasoning, and negotiation skills are no longer available when these more mature workers are not available to offer their input, tested skills, and 
expertise?
I believe that our real estate industry is strengthened by the representation of the broad range of ages within it. The young bring their talents and energy. They keep us more mature professionals on our toes. The older veterans bring experience and perspective to the young. Both can learn from the other, if willing.
Thankfully, our industry does not practice mandatory retirement as in other professions. I believe our buyers and sellers benefit greatly because of this. I can't help but believe that other industries ultimately suffer because of the loss of their more mature workers.
Gene Mundt, Sr. Vice President
Personal NMLS #216987
The Federal Savings Bank
1823 Centre Point Circle, Naperville, IL 60563
Skype! 630-219-1316
What's that phrase about 'book smart'? That's what I feel today's youth is - they expect to come out of the chute (school) and be the top exec! It's not realistic, they're not realistic. I rarely see them making the big $$'s out of school. Head in the clouds mentality I think. Starting at the bottom to 'learn the ropes' is truly a thing of the past though. It gave you a broader experience level but that equates to ??? I bet you also have a better work ethic because you 'learned' to have one or were taught it. Too bad that at 40, it's time to retire. Actually, that has happened to friends because it's just cheaper for the corporation.
You blog, so I'm sure 'as a mutt' you can learn new tricks!
You forgot something that is very simple and not many "in my age group" have! Values - Value of Hardwork, Value of Relationships, Value of education. Trust me, you are ahead of the game - mut or not! Most of The 20's and 30 somethings of this world feel entitled and have no real idea what work is.
As far as the companies getting rid of their middle age workers... It is all a stupid game and is really about greed! They are letting these people go because they are more expensive and that is the skinny... Insurance, retirement these are all things the older folks thought they were working so hard for for all these years only to find their companies throw them in the dumpster when they figure out they can pay a younger person less, their insurance is less expensive and so on and so forth. It should be illegal, but these companies will get what is coming to them.
It is all about the bottom line, and the bottom line is people should just do right.
Gene if we are in trouble at mid forties I may as well pack it in.
Lyn: Good to see you! Yep .. I'm still learning! Anyone that isn't capable of learning in these present days better be thinking of another line of work! BTW ... the little "mut" pictured is my beloved Maggie. Now gone almost two years, but definitely never forgotten. She may have been pure mut in blood .. but she was total pedigree in personality and talents. Miss her still ...
Gene
Barbara: I think the attributes we olders workers bring to our professions and work more than outweight the negatives or challenges of keeping us. I would argue that the bottom line is truly served more effectively by letting older workers go. Maybe in the hard numbers you see ... but what of the potential dollars and time that are lost? Constant re-training is not cost effective. Customer service and relationships are disturbed. I could go on ... but I agree with you. Thanks for stating your position so eloquently ... and taking the time to do so.
Ted: With another birthday approaching ... I hear ya! What do they say though? Like fine wine ...
Gene
I totally agree that this is one business where age doesn't have to necessarily become an obstacle as it does in so many other professions.
In fact in many cases those with some 'seasoning' often have an advantage in credibility over the fresh-faced whipper-snappers!
Lisa: I'll take that as a compliment ... lol My advanced age has to be good for something! Good to hear from you ...
Gene
I see this all the time. Now that my children are in their 20's, they've come to expect good salaries for their (comparitively) little experience. Yet' my husband is worried about his job because his health insurance is higher than the "kids" who are newly out of college. It is all about money- if they companies could get the 40 -60 somethings for the same price as the kids, and the insurance was the same, they would.
What would be the incentive for working hard and gaining experience then, if you never made more money than when you started out?
I am turning the dreaded 40 in May, sure am glad that only freaks me out and not my broker! lol
give me a talley in the mutt dept.- there is a new billboard idea! cw
Gene,
Great post, great questions...does it matter if one is a mutt or a peddigree? There is a place for everyone!
Gene....I have always had better dogs when they were mutt rather than the pedigree. Companies loose alot of valuable experience which can't be taught in schools when they sell the "old dogs" short.
Great post. Thanks for the analysis. I am glad to be in control of my own destiny in this day and time.
Ack...approaching 50. How did that happen. By your definition I'm both a pedigree and a mutt. I graduated from a liberal arts college which gave us a broad education (mutt). But after college...I have specialized in sales (pedigree). Although the product has changed at times, the job is the same....identifying needs of buyers and trying to facilitate a solution.
I am both mutt and pedigree. As a 2nd career, I brought knowledge to Real Estate from my varied employment history. Therefore I am older by age but relatively new as a Realtor.
Gene Mundt, the Mutt. Cute how your name kinda goes along with your post! Hey, I've also noticed that 'pedigrees' are higher maintenance, and succumb to illness more readily. They might look good, but watch out!
Congrats on your featured post Gene! Good stuff for us "young-ins" to be reading to! haha
From one mut to another, I hear what you're saying, fortunately the real estate industry is rather timeless and a good industry to be in as we "mature"...
I understand. I am a Jack of All Trades and a master of none. However, there is a big problem with people in companies if you hit them with something unexpected. They often cannot handle things out side of the norm.
Gene,
I am in the younger generation you are referring to, and I am very worried about my peers and our future. The qualities and experiences of a mutt you described are what it takes to be a leader. My education and work background is highly varied, and many people cannot believe all I have done at my age (just turned 30).
I have run into many older workers in the work place that did not like me due to my age. I have run into many older workers in the work place that loved me due to my age and new ideas. I grew tired of the former and started working for myself three years ago.
Your topic is one without an easy answer; however, I will attempt to answer it. When a person is unable to incorporate and utilize new ideas and technology to improve current processes, then it is time to move on.
By no means do I mean the person in question should be able to use all of the new technology that comes along, but rather identify people that are able to maintain a pulse on the current trends and technology and plug them into your system.
The problem with pedigrees is they need to be told what to do. They do not grasp the big picture. Leaders need to be able to look at all angles of a situation.
Hope that helps. It is my short version of what it takes to be a business owner (and a leader).
Aaron
I'm a mutt too. I held many different positions and then I found real estate in 1983 - haven't looked back! I learned a lot from every different job I had and I keep learning the new technology needed to stay ahead in our industry.
My only hope is that real estate will stay somewhat similar to what it is now for at least 8 years until I can officially "retire". Of course, if real estate agents still have a job I'll continue on until I can't figure out the technology anymore.
We had a very popular mega agent in my area and she was well into her 70's (at least) when she took a fall while showing houses. She hit her head and suffered problems and I don't think she's practicing anymore - I'll have to check the roster.
Linda: I totally understand what you're saying. I can see the issue from both perspectives, as I have younger sons as well. I feel their pain while they establish themselves in their careers. See their struggles. There's a place for both pedigrees and mutts in the workplace. Together, they can make the company stronger ... Thanks for your input and stopping by!
Vanessa: You're a youngster yet .. believe me! And yes, I'm in agreement ... the real estate industry does it right. With the pace of the changes ... I'm sure it keeps us "young"! Thanks for reading the article ..
Cheryl: Never thought of that! It sure could make for an "eye-catcher" ... Thanks!
Ron & Alexandra: Great question in return to my blog! And no, you're right ... it shouldn't make a difference. The final decision should be made on what the worker can bring to the company and how well he/she performs the job. I think both gain from being exposed to the other .. and the company can be the beneficiary of that. Now ... let's get all the companies practicing this nonsense to agree! Thanks for writing and offering your views. They gave me pause ...
Gene
Carra: Great to see you again! Totally agree with you. Our Maggie was 100% mutt .. and she was perfect. And yes, old dogs get sold short too often. Younger dogs don't always share the same traits and outlook though either ... as illustrated by another comment here #22. Being seen as an individual instead of a number (or some other classification) is the best solution. Still love the great logo ... see you in Cosmic Cow!
Anne: So agree with you! Especially when my boys were young .. the flexibility I enjoyed because of the work I do was a great benefit. I would have missed so much had I not done the work I did. Thanks for pointing that out ...
Karen: Happy Birthday early, Karen! Maybe you have found that perfect mixture ... a blend of the best of both. You've definitely entered the right profession. Finding solutions is what we do in large measure ... especially these days! Great to hear from you ... and celebrate well!
Christopher: Your varied employment history can be a real benefit to you when working in the real estate world. You have so much to draw upon ... and you know so many people. All great benefits! Best of luck to you in your "2nd career"!
Gene
Joetta: You're not the first to have used that little rhyme ... especially given my last name (Mundt). Heard it all the time from my friends. Being a mutt has its advantages ... I have survived while others have moved on. We're survivors, Joetta! Let's celebrate that ...
Tim: Thanks for writing! You "young-uns" keep me on my toes ... and that's a good thing. Hopefully we can share ideas and perspectives in the future ... I look forward to it!
Jill: At the end of a particularly frustrating day (and we're having quite a few of them, aren't we?) ... it can be harder to remember the many benefits I've enjoyed because of my job. There were and still are many. Appreciate your stopping by and reminding me ...
Gene: Thanks for stopping by. From the pic in your comment it looks like you've "mastered" choosing the perfect place to work! Enjoy!
Aaron: I probably don't have to point this out ... but they'll always be some that don't like you, no matter what you do or say. You've obviously found the solution that makes sense and is profitable for you ... not just monetarily, but personally too. To have accomplished that by 30 is amazing... so congrats! Makes me wish I had "discovered" you earlier and could have talked you into lending!! Best of luck in your career and future ... may both prosper.
Gene
Judy: You and I share a philosophy, I think ... we both see what all our "educations" and experiences have brought to our present work. We also see that they've improved and sharpened our abilities to perform them. Not so bad!! As far as retirement? I'm hoping they find me one of two ways when I go ... either with my work "boots" on ... or a golf club in my hand! Good to hear from you again Judy. Best of luck selling those houses ...
Gene
I've heard many times that "our generation" gains the respect needed to be able to sell to the public the products the younger generation can create at lightening speed!
Even though youth "creates", most people look to a more "mature" individual for verification of credibility.
See, age is good for something!
Karen: Wow ... well said! I like to say I've "ripened" my skills ... and it takes time to do so. As you point out ... only growing older does that for us. So yep ... age can be a good thing too ... Best of luck to you in your work ...
Gene
In some ways I feel sorry for my children's generation (GenX 30 somethings) My boomer generation was lied to by the "work hard and you'll prosper" Horation Alger bs, but their generation has had to live with the lie of "study hard get good grades and you life's prosperity is assured" bs. The best way is to be an entrepreneur and bypass all that.
I did notice early on in this business that actually age was an advantage - really don't blame the younger ones for getting impatient with us.
Kathy: I don't blame younger people for getting impatient ... it's part of youth. You don't want them complacent. I blame the companies for not seeing the benefits of having BOTH age groups represented within their company framework. Both having valuable talents to offer and neither should be thrown away. You're absolutely right ... each generation has dealt with some misleading guidance. Hopefully, we all learn and progress ... Thanks for writing and expressing your opinion.
Gene
Is there something significant with the way you are spelling MUTT? I don't think having a college degree is a pedigree, I think coming out of industry and having worked from the bottom up is the pedigree. Whether you start out as a staff accountant and work your way up to CFO, or start off by flipping burgers on your way up to area supervisor of a fast food chain, working in real estate should be the same. Unfortunately, we don't have a good mentoring system and the independent contractor status gets in the way, so an agent has to want to succeed from day 1.
I like your idea of mutt vs pedigree - I'm an OLD mutt - a little big of a lot of things. After being legal secretary, high school teacher, then college teacher, I decided to "play with real estate" over thirty years ago. I've loved most of it and joke that I would probably keep on even if I didn't get paid. Every day is different, I meet wonderful people, I learn to do new things and get practice coping with difficult people. It's kept me young. I have lots of friends in a wide range of ages and we all have talents, skills and insights to share. I love my life. The only thing I don't like is for someone to talk about Seniors in terms of "how THEY think" - how we think is no more uniform than how any group of people think. I blog, have several web sites, do my own graphics, do spreadsheets, do community newsletters, do some social networking - and help people buy or sell their homes. At least as important as the technical stuff, we who have been around a while have learned to listen and are at least most of the time more patient than folks who haven't been through as much as we have. I used to avoid talking about my age because I didn't want to be judged by it. I accept now that at 71 I have a lot to offer, and I find that buyers and sellers feel the same. The most unusual compliment I've had lately was "Mom, you rock." She's almost 50, which in my book is still a long way from old.
Weichert/Synergy: I think possibly we're thinking the same thing but expressing it differently. Anyway, I agree with you regarding the mentoring. Thankfully, I was lucky to have had a great mentor .. esp. for the mortgage end of things. I don't see too many that are afforded that service or luxury. Great point you make. Maybe others will see it .. and step up?
Mary: You are the example of what I am trying to point out! YOU keep current and have tackled and mastered the "modern" techno skills. Mix that with the wisdom and experience and expertise you've gained throughout the years and you have one valuable employee and worker. A company is nuts to let someone like that go ... but they do every day. Such a waste and so stupid. I say utilize us "mature" workers and let us mix our talents with those of the young. A company will be much better off for it ...
Thank you so much for your input and life-story, Mary. It was great to meet you ...
Gene
Age doesnt seem like an accurate measure of usefulness or success. Perhaps the way to get ahead in a changing marketplace is flexability and an open attitude. The old learning from the young and vice versa. You hit the nail on the head there Gene!
Thank you Real Design Online! I appreciate the thumbs-up! And I do believe you're right ... both need to listen to one another ... and learn.
Gene
Great blog post! Congrats on the feature, too! I think we older mutts are pretty well rounded as a whole, with a few relaxed ones in among us....... Everyone has to get techie to stay in business, or else hire it out.... That's the part that companies don't like. Well done!
Dagny: Such kind words! Thank you for taking the time to write them. And yes you're right, we older ones may have to ask some techie questions more often ... but we succeed and/or find someone to help out. Just as younger workers have to ask questions and find answers about things they haven't encountered yet. Each of us has something to learn. It's all about whether you make the effort to do it ... and then how you implement it. Thanks again ...
Gene
Gene ~ I love this post! Being a "mutt" who also grew up in the same decades that you did, while education was important, the benefit of experience I gained in many areas is priceless. I'm worth every penny someone can pay me -- but since I'm now self-employed -- that's kind of a joke LOL! I love your premise that the younger generation and the older ones can learn from each other. Age Diversity in any profession is a plus!
I'm a mutt, for sure. There's nothing pure about me!
I am a mutt to the Nth degree. In fact, I have had so many types of jobs hardly related to each other that my life experience is very valuable to me when I work with almost anyone. Thanks for the blog.
Maurren: Always so kind! And thank you. I think in our industry in particular, you find so many that have arrived through other channels with a broad background. The school of hardknocks is represented for sure. It's what makes the industry and the people within it so interesting ... never a dull moment! Thanks for writing, Maureen ... it's always great to hear from you.
Gene
Wayne: Me either! And darn proud of it! We're hardy stock and survivors ... two great traits to have in the real estate industry! Thanks for writing ...
Jirius: I agree that having a broad background when working within this industry serves us well. The more you have to draw upon, the better and more you can serve. You can "talk the talk" because you've been there and experienced it. Simply put .. you can bond better .. and customers sense that ... a great plus. Thanks for the "association" and writing me. It's appreciated .. and I look forward to learning more about you also in the future. Best of luck ...
Gene
Wayne: Me too! And darn proud of it! We're hardy stock and survivors ... two great traits to have in the real estate industry! Thanks for writing ...
Jirius: I agree that having a broad background when working within this industry serves us well. The more you have to draw upon, the better and more you can serve. You can "talk the talk" because you've been there and experienced it. Simply put .. you can bond better .. and customers sense that ... a great plus. Thanks for the "association" and writing me. It's appreciated .. and I look forward to learning more about you also in the future. Best of luck ...
Gene
I plead guilty to being a mutt. I am sure I am older than you Gene, and I love working with young people. I learn from them and they learn from me. What a great pairing. I also feed off their energy.
Tom: I agree with you ... working with the "kids" keeps you young .. and on your toes! I'd like to think I'm offering something to them as valuable as I'm getting. Sounds like you and I are of the same mind ... Thanks for writing another "senior" member of AR. It was good to hear from you.
Gene
Gene - I was reading your post trying to decide which one I was. As a college graduate, you might call me a pedigree but with 25+yrs of work experience, I'm no youngster. Mortgage lending is a second career for me after I spent nearly 15yrs in corporate Human Resources. I worked myself up through the ranks from a Payroll Clerk, then a Benefits Administrator to a Staffing Recruiter to an HR Manager.
It was all the corporate bull$#%! that finally got to me where I decided that I didn't want to work for them anymore, not the other way around. Hubby and I had been dabbling in real estate investing (we had a few rentals at the time) and I just kind of fell into the lending industry. The thing that appealed to me the most were all the rules and regulations about doing loans. Kind of reminded me of the HR world.
I got my real estate license and went to work for a direct lender. I hated it; I felt like I was back in the corporate world again. I was gone about 18 months later. After another 18 month stint with a mortgage banker (that I hated), I found myself going to work for a correspondent lender where I stayed for more than four years. I loved working there and it was there where I truly honed my LO skills and abilities and became the LO that I am today.
I left there about 10 months ago because I felt that I needed to in order to keep my own business afloat. I needed to align myself to an organization that was going to be able to weather the ups and downs of this current market. I'm an educated woman who has worked hard to get where I am and I love what I do and I will do whatever I have to in order to continue doing it for as long as I can. If that means that I have to change every now and then to continue going forward - so be it. BRING IT ON!