It's Been a While...
Michael J. Amend
Consultant | Data | ML | AI | Revenue Leader | Sales | GTM Strategy | SaaS | FS | Supply Chain | Risk | Analytics | AWS | GCP | Azure | Digital Transformation | Big Data | Solution Architect | Integration | BFSI
As a senior tech sales executive in my early 60s, who over the years has enjoyed great success (and a few missteps), I am often asked, "Why do you still work?" The answer is simple - I work for my family and to achieve a contented retirement - on my terms, when it is the right time. When I am ready, however, is more complex than it sounds. Companies often hesitate to hire "experienced executives" like myself, as the ATS systems (and people who can do basic math) subliminally pass over us as "Too Experienced" for the role. But is there such a thing? Or do they prefer someone younger and maybe less costly, even though they cannot provide the same value?
Having held many successful Individual Contributor positions and various leadership positions such as CEO, VP, and others, I enjoy leading teams to battle the most. The shared exuberance of a win is intoxicating. I also have a broad range of subject matter expertise as I have developed go-to-market strategies, mentored teams of sales and operational professionals, led 8-figure sales initiatives to success, founded companies from scratch, and have kept up with the latest technology trends for almost 40 years - and been an innovator all along the way. All are areas well suited to successful leadership roles or even IC roles. Still, I do not warrant a single interview some weeks after countless submissions of resumes and personalized cover letters. (And I have been told I have damn good letters and a solid resume)
Yet, the offers I receive often undervalue my expertise, the contributions I can provide, and the ultimate value of time-earned awareness.?While the positions that are a perfect fit only merit a form letter of rejection from the prospective employer, I remain optimistic and know my value. It's challenging, but I still have mentorship I need to share, and I am not ready to leave the workforce yet. I am a coach at heart. You can ask any of the young athletes I coached over 22 years; effort and relentless pursuit win the day. Hopefully, many are passing that pursuit along to a new generation. That is the beauty of leadership. It thrives long after you are gone and becomes your legacy.
Many in the younger set are looking for jobs that will last two or three years in hi-tech sales. That is not their fault; that is the new routineness. In contrast, I am looking for a forever home to allow me to retire from the same company after my last eight years. There is value in continuity, but eight years is often seen as an eternity in this industry and era. Many younger executives are looking to turn over three companies in that timeframe.
领英推荐
While younger professionals possess a different level of experience and expertise than people my age have gained, we have a similarly high level of technical prowess coupled with perspective. That creates a powerful combination. Innovation lives smack dab in the middle of those two traits, and it just needs to be mined through an opportunity. As Neil Young said, "It's better to burn out than fade away."
The unstated perception is that the younger "options" have more energy. Listen, I don't have to carry a plane to Los Angeles or New York for a meeting. There is a pilot who, thankfully, flies us to our destination. Companies need to realize that "seasoned" executives like myself bring knowledge and skills that cannot be easily replaced or faked. You earn this knowledge over time, and I am aware of no shortcut or class to provide this wealth.
So, why do I continue to work? I am passionate about what I do and believe that my experience and expertise can make a difference in the industry - and to my colleagues and clients. Therefore, as long as I can be productive, I will choose to work. I am determined to continue working until I am at least 70 years old and positively influence my younger colleagues. We are all a team, regardless of age. Companies will start recognizing the value of experienced executives like myself collaborating with the younger side of the equation soon. We are not going anywhere. At least, not yet...
Please share your thoughts on this issue. I would love to hear from you.
Excellent post, Mike! Older resources are seen as not having the energy levels needed in today's environment. Problem is that thought process is marred by the misconception younger resources have such an advantage. Reason for that thinking is most hiring resources are in the same age category. The overlooked problem I've witnessed is the lack of working smarter! Over the last 15 years in both I.T. and Engineering software industries, I've seen a lack of developing and, more importantly, continually improving to resolution effectiveness. Instead, senior and middle management's recourse was to throw more bodies at the problem. Simply look at the introduction of agile development. Someone reads a little about it, attends a training session or two and ultimately implements with little thought. Problems quickly arise, more resources are added to teams while each iteration finds functionality making its way to the "Parking Lot" only to meet the sprint's deadline. Don't get me wrong, we did the same as younger workers. We wouldn't listen to those who had the experience. Instead, we were determined to show we knew what we were doing. We didn't. What is it they say, "If you don't study history, you're doomed to repeat it!".
Platform Technical Director & Principal Solution Architect at Hillsdale College
1 年Great to hear from you my friend. I greatly appreciate this article, it gives me assurance that I have properly chosen my current career path. While I am a few years behind you in this journey, I have found an organization which stands for a mission and that mission gives value to me personally as I feel it will provide value for my children. Finally, I feel this path will provide me with something I can be proud of. So with the value of the mission and my comp. I feel fulfilled. I know your drive and level of knowledge, and when the right opportunity shows its self you will recognize it.