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That is not good advice at all. All it says is "it is up to you old people to put all the effort you can muster at competing with the young". Not everyone gets

That is not good advice at all. All it says is "it is up to you old people to put all the effort you can muster at competing with the young". Not everyone gets to look immaculate in their 60s, not everyone gets to occupy a "(prominent) wise elder" position in life by that age either. Just as well, fitting in with fleeting trends is not something people should have to prioritize to be considered productive. What about people who were not so lucky and have health problems or very limiting responsibilities? I am under 30 by the way, but I am afraid of some grotesque Logan's run scenario where I will lose control over my life just because of age.

aswanson 7y ago
Your fear is well-founded in this field, sadly.
gbacon 7y ago
If you’re that far along in your career and are still in direct competition with very junior people, then yes, you had better differentiate yourself! An employee is a seller of labor, and an employer is a buyer. To make the sale, the job seeker must demonstrate the strongest possible value. A lot of outside obligations or time otherwise required to be away from work, all else being equal, makes competitors look relatively more attractive. Put yourself in the employer’s shoes. Say your toilet is backed up. I’ll assume you’re a homeowner responsible for getting it fixed and not a renter. The first thing you’d likely do is ask your friends to recommend a good plumber. Then you’ll start making phone calls. You probably don’t want someone still in trade school. The best plumber in town may be very expensive or unavailable for a couple of weeks. You have an urgent problem! You talk to another plumber with a reasonable rate but may have to pop in and out of the job on short notice. You need your toilet unstopped today, which means good rate, good reputation, can get there today, and who will stay until the job is done.
- nearmuse 7y ago
  I would rather put my effort into differentiating myself with job-related skills without having to "bite back" and "form support groups". This is what exactly I didn't like as advice in this piece.

aswanson 7y ago

Your fear is well-founded in this field, sadly.

gbacon 7y ago

If you’re that far along in your career and are still in direct competition with very junior people, then yes, you had better differentiate yourself! An employee is a seller of labor, and an employer is a buyer. To make the sale, the job seeker must demonstrate the strongest possible value. A lot of outside obligations or time otherwise required to be away from work, all else being equal, makes competitors look relatively more attractive. Put yourself in the employer’s shoes. Say your toilet is backed up. I’ll assume you’re a homeowner responsible for getting it fixed and not a renter. The first thing you’d likely do is ask your friends to recommend a good plumber. Then you’ll start making phone calls. You probably don’t want someone still in trade school. The best plumber in town may be very expensive or unavailable for a couple of weeks. You have an urgent problem! You talk to another plumber with a reasonable rate but may have to pop in and out of the job on short notice. You need your toilet unstopped today, which means good rate, good reputation, can get there today, and who will stay until the job is done.

nearmuse 7y ago
I would rather put my effort into differentiating myself with job-related skills without having to "bite back" and "form support groups". This is what exactly I didn't like as advice in this piece.