Many Great Careers readers tell me they’re going through a life re-invention (or wanting to). I just came across a good book by Marlene Chism. I was intrigued by her question: “Do you how to read the signs when going through a Life Re-Invention?”

Marlene shares her personal story of Life Re-Invention in her book. She left her job as a blue collar factory worker (after 20 years!) to pursue her dream of becoming a motivational speaker and author. She often laughs when she tells her story of working in a factory: “The best part of your day is when you look up at the clock and realize it’s time to rotate.”

I like this quote: “Much of the time unhappiness is due to compulsively thinking about success, judging your current level of success, and obsessing over achieving your next big success.”

ABC’s Good Morning America ran a segment on the trials and tribulations of working for a younger boss. The segment featured a 54-year-old woman who just couldn’t adapt to working for a 29-year-old boss.

“These days it’s not about time served – it’s about technological skills,” was the message.

Author and Career Specialist Tory Johnson suggested “open communication.” Identify your beliefs. Gen Y – workers born 1977-1991 – constitute the largest segment of the work force. These folks, says Johnson, believe authority comes from expertise and accomplishment – not time served.

“Older workers,” Johnson says, believe in the value of “time.” But younger workers argue, “If I am a stronger performer, I can leapfrog.”

Frankly, I think the issue is more complex. There *is* something to be said for perspective. The challenge comes not just from “resentment,” as the program suggested, but from a sense of feeling devalued. After investing so many years, we’re hearing, “Who cares what you did?”

It’s the corporate version of “So what have you done for me lately?”
which can be heard as, “Your life is meaningless.”

And who wants to hear that message?