Had I Been Joe Biden's Career Coach - The Problem With No Name

 Joe Biden had devoted his life to being a progressive change-agent. That legacy is now tarnished or, as it is bluntly put: finished. Democrat political strategist James Carville classifies the situation as "tragic."

The tipping point wasn't the controversial pardon of son Hunter. No, the tipping point kicked in when Biden decided to take a go at re-election. For centuries that decision will be fingered as the primary cause why branches of US government came into the power of conservatives.

If Biden had come to me for career coaching - my special area of expertise is seniors - I would have honored his need for careful positioning and packaging of the reality of a one-term president. If early on he had declared not-running and he presented a noble but credible reason why, the spotlight would have shifted to the Democratic contenders - and off him. 

As a lame duck he had the option to take on a low profile and only conduct controlled appearances. Like Barack Obama and Bill Clinton had done during Election 2024, he could have created a fresh presence supporting the nominee. What an unselfish leader - that could have been the meme. 

The issue was never age per se. When he became US President in 1981 Ronald Regan was 69 years old. When he finished his second term he was 77.  In many circles his legacy is solid - and even taking on more of an aura.

In his 90s, Warren Buffett is firmly in control of Berkshire Hathway. His moves such as piling up cash is being watched for signs of what the tricky economy might do.

In his mid 60s, Paul Weiss chair Brad Karp has reset the law firm. That ranges from expanding its global footprint to culture innovations to winning big in attracting star talent to establishing another partner tier. About the latter, Bloomberg Law reports:

"Paul Weiss on Friday announced the promotion of 34 new partners, nearly tripling the size of its class after the firm’s chair said it would roll out a non-equity partner tier."

The message junior lawyers probably get is: Hey, I might have a shot at partner at Paul Weiss. So, I am 1) going to give this my all  2) Stick around (and smirk at invites to lateral to other firms).

Talking of resets, Clint Eastwood came into his own as an artistic director at age 62 with "The Unforgiven."

Henry Kissinger and Betty White were productive until nearly 100.

The problem with no name, I have discovered in my career coaching, is the decline, gradual or more abrupt, of the quick thinking, solid judgment, skills and networking ability which got you to where you are. Or, had been until recently. Gently, I use euphemisms as "maybe you want to ease up ..."

In the American brand of capitalism we are our work. It is rare that there will be a graceful shift from a prominent full-time job to semiretirement. Disney's Bob Iger couldn't handle that and made his way back to the CEO position. Incidentally, his legacy, once golden, is now in play.

My mission is: Make semiretirement a respected phase of a long work life. For those of you who are post-career but are determined to continue to earn income from your labor here is the resume approach that can help level the playing field with other generations in getting, holding and moving on to better work.

You made it this far. The next phase for how to continue working could be semiretirement. Coach For Seniors Jane Genova will give you a complimentary consultation about continuing to make a buck, at any age. Text/phone 203-468-8579, email janegenova374@gmail.com for appointment. Fees custom-made for your current budget.



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