Two Cultures Which Sometimes Clash: Areas Known for Retirement Where Some Still Hustle for Work

 Some LCOL (low cost of living) areas have attracted two very different groups. One is the retiree. The other are those still needing or wanting to work for income. The result can be the hardening of two cultures.

The retiree usually assimilates into a new lifestyle of hobbies, focus on health and enjoying family (if there are members are in the area). They have no interest - and rightly so - in hearing about the daily ups and downs of workers or entrepreneurs. However, they can be disappointed if the hustling element doesn't have the time to participate in their non-commercial pursuits. 

In contrast, we still-in-the-game have to be fully engaged in what we do. There's a glut of just about every kind of expertise. Competition is dog-maul-dog.

Of course, it's so helpful to interact with others who can provide insight and support about our work challenges. Also don't we need to share the euphoria when things go well! It takes time in this kind of community to put together such a network. And, they won't include retirees.

Meanwhile, adjusting to the two cultures involves a learning curve. Probably because we're so preoccupied with our tasks we initially don't pick up that there are two cultures. Big mistake - we blurt out work stuff to a sea of blank faces. Eventually, we make it a habit of maintaining neutral conversations with the retired. Likely they sense the distance - and resent it.

Now and then the cultures do actually clash. Take the local Toastmasters. 

The majority in the group are retired. I joined to refine my pitching skills for developing new business. Too much of the focus, at least as I experienced meetings, was on presenting content which entertained. The humorous ones often won the prizes. 

Well, business isn't funny. That was one of my beefs. The other was that there were no tutorials on how to put together slide decks. It was all the same-old-stuff about, for example, bringing in an object for a visual. The one time the presentation used stand-alone slides there was trouble operating the technology. 

Although I had paid the membership fee I ignored the sunk cost and quit.

Another crash scene was the free local writers' club at the public library. It only took a few meetings for me to connect the dots: These were primarily retirees who weren't interested in earning income from their labor. That was also a quit.

Well, I have learned my lessons well. 

During this holiday season I didn't expect any business. But business did come in, including on Christmas eve. However, as I tooled around my residential complex passing along season's greetings I kept the good news to myself. 

Was that a bit sad? Yes. 

So, you bet, I warn those I coach planning to relocate for a lower cost of living but continue to work this: Consider areas where the demographics aren't tilted toward retirees.  In the spring I probably will relocate where there is a higher ratio of the employed/business owners to retired. Bunking here was an experiment which hasn't panned out as I manifested. 

Affordable Career Coach Jane Genova provides end-to-end career services, ranging from diagnosis of the challenges and fix-it strategies to preparation of resume/cover letters/LinkedIn profiles and how to gain control of an interview. I specialize in over-50 work issues. My edge is a background in marketing communications. For a confidential complimentary consultation please text/phone 203-468-8579 or email janegenova374@gmail.com. Remote and in-person.

 




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