Saturday, February 7, 2009

Old Dog and New Tricks!

In this time of uncertain futures and disappearing jobs it sets a mind to wondering. Wondering if I will find one of those fun little pink things in my paycheck for one. You know what I am talking about. The big let go. "Downsizing" is just one of those words I am dreading of hearing.

Every day it seems I hear of someone else I know who is losing their job.

So what can one do when there is a cloud of dread hanging over everything? Well, I think it may be time to go back to the drawing board. Well, back to school anyway. I actually feel a little excited thinking about the possibilities in front of me.

Enter self doubt and its cousin fear. I start feeling I am too old to start on a new career path. Can it really be okay to pursue something I may actually like more than what I am doing currently? What right do I even have to think like this while I still have a job?

Well, to heck with anything and everything that may be in my way. If I have learned anything during this economic slump it is that I would be more able to find a job if I had more than one skill. If I was more educated or had more diverse skills I would be more attractive to potential employers. And I can now decide what it is that I would like to do, possibly for the rest of my life.

Of course, starting new in anything means starting at the bottom so I figure I better get started now. So if something does happen I at least have something to fall back on.

I guess I post this looking for validation in wanting to gain new skills. I guess I want to feel that I am not too old to learn something new.

So my question is:
Can an old dog learn new tricks?

Have a great day!

13 comments:

Ronda's Rants said...

I am 50...and I have learned/learning to blog...I am taking Pilates...I am at 50 ( did I mention this) learning Spanish and I just signed up for a course to be certified in Green Building...I am scared, excited but mostly grateful!
You can do anything with His Help!
:)

Ronda's Rants said...

PS It is scary right now...the economy isn't looking so great but we can all find things to be grateful for having! It sounds like you have a great plan!

Mike said...

Your always learning. On an old job or for a new one.

cornnut32 said...

old dogs CAN learn new tricks. there was an episode of mythbusters where they proved it--they trained a really old dog and it did GREAT. in my opinion, if an actual dog is capable of learning new tricks in its old age, of course we can as human beings with our superior brain power. the key lies in our desire to do so.

Rhonda said...

You can do anything! I'm at the same point right now. I am feeling a lot of fear about our economy. There is a lot at stake with 6 little mouths to feed as well as my own and husbands. All I can think is that if my husband and I, as parents, can increase our skills we'll be doing a huge favor for our children should we get the termination papers. We may not make as much $ but at least it would be *something* and we're looking at really secure fields so job stability will be there as well.

So yep, an old dog CAN learn new tricks. Start small, get something quick and easy so you are prepared and then as time permits keep gaining more education and skills. One thing I know for sure: preparation lessens fear.

Rhonda said...

Oh, this old dog needs some new tricks too!!! Unfortunately it takes money and time off to do that, so can't see it happening anytime in my near, or far, future.

Good luck to you! I say if you can, GO FOR IT!

Melissa B. said...

Absolutely! I've been "returning" to education my entire adult life. There's always something new to learn, and those of us who know what's what are the ones who can prove to be indespensible! BTW...don't forget Sx3 tomorrow. It has a Texas-sized theme. Something about armadillos?

Tulsi said...

There will alway be "bad guys" so we are pretty secure in the way of a job. But I don't work and don't have any skills other than mom. I only did one year of college so Steve could finish. He is now working on going back and getting his Master's. We have this University here that is perfect. An old dog can definitely learn new tricks. I've been thinking of finding something, but then think that someone needs it more than I do. And I have to wait until Mikele drives so she can get home from school. The thought of returning to school scares me. I don't have the same brain or desire. But I'm certain that I could learn and keep up.

Jed said...

GO FOR IT!

You are only too old if you think you are too old.

Mind over matter!

But you make me think also. Maybe I should go back to school or obtain another skill somehow.

Good luck.

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petra michelle; Whose role is it anyway? said...

Absolutely can, Blogstalker! What I've learned is that living from a point of fear is the worst thing you can do, because it clouds your thinking and openness to all kinds of possibilities. I started out in pre-med in college to business
to becoming a writer. Enjoy the ride, and don't be afraid. My consolation during these times is that we're not alone as people are stepping up to the plate to help each other out!
Stay well, Blogstalker! :))

Summer said...

You can do it!!! It's so enticing, the idea of going back to school. Old dogs plphhhh. Your gender may be questionable from that photo, but one thing is certain- you're not old. ;D

By the way- tag you're it.

Unknown said...

Hi Blog Stalker. Nice to meet you! I'm so sick and saddened by everyone losing their job. I say about 40% of the people I know got laid off. These are jobs that take educated, experienced, people and now they've got nothing. It's sooo sad! So, I say, go for the new 'trick'. AND, the more tricks you have up your sleeve, the more fun you are at a party. Isn't that how the saying goes?! Anyway, I just started working as a travel agent and am taking online classes to learn the booking system and am having a GREAT time learning it all. So, yeah, go for it!

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