#1 Reason to Promote an Empty Nester

A few weeks ago, I was socializing with friends. All of us are in our fifties, and one was complaining that his firm routinely "wrote off" employees his age, unless they were already running a business unit. Bonuses levelled off or declined, in favor of "younger turks" who management perceives as having "more energy".

This is when things got interesting.

Another friend jumped in. She said, "That's the exact opposite of my reality. I have more energy and focus now than ever before. For the first time in 20 years, I don't feel pulled in 20 different directions."

My head spun around on my shoulders like a cartoon character. Eureka, I thought, that is so true... and few companies recognize this fact.

Thinking about my own situation, all my kids are out of the house. For over two decades, I had to prove myself at work, then confront a new reality at home. Some child was always behind on his or her homework, late for soccer practice, fighting with his or her sibling, inexplicably lazy, or inexplicably missing. Sleep seemed like a luxury.

These days, I hit 8 p.m. and still have energy. Many weeknights, I go indoor rock climbing or socialize. If clients want to talk early in the morning or after hours, it's no problem.

Back to my friend, the guy who feels slighted in favor of young turks: we told him to be direct with his CEO. Instead of being seen as the nearly out-to-pasture old guy, he should ask for a bigger and bolder challenge. 

To be clear, I'm not arguing that professionals with kids should be slighted. But by the same token, it's a mistake to assume that professionals over a certain age are slowing down. Reality is the opposite: many are speeding up. They are more willing to travel, better able to relocate, and eager to accept additional commitments.

Bruce Kasanoff is a ghostwriter and coach for a wide range of accomplished professionals. In the one-minute video below, he explains his new "Quick Fix" service...