Remaining Contemporary on the Job

Retiring from your job is expensive. You may feel it is important that you remain on the job for, at least, a little longer. If so, it behooves you to retain a contemporary appearance. You don't want to be known as that old geezer or geezeress* who sits in the corner taking up space..

To retain your contemporary status, there are actions you need to take well before you begin your additional time with the company. The following are the ones I think are required; there may be a few more.

1. Control your weight. You need to walk briskly in your job. You don't need to carry useless cargo around with you when you move from place to place.

2. Maintain your health. Don't smoke. If you don't smoke now, great; don't start. If you do smoke, quit! Avoid excessive activities of all kinds.

3. Avoid inordinate exposure to the sun. A smooth skin keeps you looking young longer!

4. Provide adequate attention to your hair. There is nothing wrong with enhancing its color if needed. And, there is nothing wrong with purchasing some if you're shy of a suitable quantity.

5. A little light cosmetic work may be all right. Don't go at it to excess. This may give you an artificial appearance that can be counter-productive.

6. Dress conservatively in keeping with the standards in your company. Keep in mind that you're older than most of those around you. At age 65, it is possible to appear and behave as if you were 50, but not 18.

7. Participate with activities in keeping with the standards in your company. You need to hold up your end of the responsibilities, more if you're capable.

8. Resist volunteering comparisons with the way things used to be. Contemporaries don't enjoy these kinds of comments.

9. Avoid enunciating certain phrases that others routinely get away with; for example, "I must have had a senior moment."

10. Remain courteous and friendly in your demeanor. Exhibit a sense of humor.

*geezeress; the feminine equivalent of geezer; coined here for the first time.