Work and Changing Ages - Case Study Example

Work and Changing Ages Introduction Age has its effects on a workforce and from a psychologicalpoint of view, such effects are inevitable. There are evident changes in an individual’s work behaviour as they advance in age. This study will look into these changes and how they bring themselves. Through a one-on-one interview with an aged working adult, this study will analyze the effects of these changes on the work-life of older working individuals. Some of these changes are caused by the fact that age comes with a reduction in physical as well as mental abilities and others are caused by changes in an individual’s work environment. This study will also look into the priorities and preferences of such individuals when in this stage of their careers. Literature Review Studies have given an indication that older working adults show different work behavior from that observed in their earlier years. There have been several efforts to determine the impact of aging on workers’ productivity. Such studies mainly focus on the impacts but not on the changes in aging individuals since many of them are funded by employers. The psychological changes that occur in older working individuals have both positive and negative effects (Lazurus & DeLongis, 1983). Aging employees demonstrate good working culture to younger employees and are generally in good terms with most employees thus improving workplace relations and culture. However, for most aging employees, their jobs are not very beneficial to them and this may have the effect of reduced productivity (MetLife Mature Market Institute, 2006). New technology has been associated with a lot of changes in the ways of doing things. New technology has brought radical changes in workplaces. According to studies, the older generation of workers feels left out in most instances as a result of these changes brought by new technology (Baltes &Willis, 1977). Method and Participant This study involved an interview with an older adult of Polish origin, below sixty five years of age and working as a teacher. Carefully formulated questions were asked and the participant answered them on a one on one interview. The questions mainly focused on the participant’s work-life and their career path. The questions in the interview sought to find out the different phases the participant had gone through during her work-life and how they were able to cope with the changes. Few question focused on the participant’s personal life but these were aimed at determining whether there have been any effects of the aging changes to her work-life. These personal questions would also be used later to determine their social relationships as well as give a better understanding of the participant. In order to create a proper environment for the interview and not to raise any anxiety in the participant, the interview was recorded. The recordings were later transcribed and the scripts used for analysis. Results From the beginning of the interview, the participant wishes that they would be retired and not in the labour force currently. They categorically stated that they are still working because they have no alternative but to work. The participant says: Yes, I do because without work you can’t have anything. You have to pay bills. Even if you don’t want to you have to work that’s how life is. The participant is quick to admit that there have been changes in their work-life as a result of aging. Several reasons made the participant move from Poland to America and one of them being the search for greener pastures. The participant explains the difficulties they faced when they came to America and says that America was not the land of opportunities as they had previously thought. They go ahead to explain that they had to take up three jobs so as to pay their bills as well as accomplish some of the goals they had. The participant says: Dear mother of God! I came here without knowing the English language. And of course no one helped even though they told me people in America will help you. No one helped me at all and I came here with a child. I was working three jobs right. I was working in a restaurant and I was working at a bank during the night. This was because I had no choice, I had to pay bills by myself and I had a child that needed to go to school. The participant admits that they do not enjoy their current teaching job like they did the artistic job they had back in Poland. They admit that there is no motivation in their current job and that such jobs have wasted so many people in their advanced ages. The participant talks enthusiastically about their artistic job in Poland and does not hold back the fact that they enjoyed it since they were doing it partly as a hobby. The participant prefers a laid back kind of job where they do not have to be aggressive and have an abrasive way of doing things in order to succeed. The participant attributes this to old age and reduced physical energy and ability. The participant says: But here there is a lot of competition. Those who came here earlier founded those groups and have sponsors and those who came after them have no chance to accomplish what the others did. Plus I do not know how to push myself through life using elbows and feet and shoving people out of the way. And in this country those who push forward no matter who they step on are the ones who will succeed, those who can kick, steal and lie can accomplish it and me? I couldn’t do either. And you can’t live here being honest. Psychological changes that accompany aging are also evident in the interview as the participant says: A person is getting older, the life experience, and all kinds of stresses, and a person gets to know what people are all about and a person start removing themselves from that environment or person. I, myself chose to distance myself from people. I came to the conclusion that I rather write a poem, publish a book, and at least there will be some legacy after me, right? I rather take a paint brush and paint a painting so it will please my eye. I have no desire to go visit people. I would rather be at home. And want to rest. But the main issue is you have no desire. When people are two faced, fake and you can’t change them what do you need friends like that for? Discussion Psychological changes are inevitable with old age. These changes have an impact on an individual’s ways of doing things including work. Such changes are used to account for Donald Super’s five stages of career development (Freeman, 1993). The participant was able to take up to three jobs when they were young but currently they want a laid back and quiet life. These changes bring along different feelings that may vary from self-appreciation and satisfaction to depression and frustration (Ackerman, 2004). The participant in this study is particularly frustrated by the environment in America and the type of work they do. This is because they feel that there is no one to appreciate them or what they do financially. Health of the older adults also affects their productivity to a great extent. Healthy living is more often determined by the income these adults make and for them to be physically fit they need adequate remuneration (Ilmarinen, 2001). Conclusion According to the interview, a great percentage of older adults work because they do not have alternative ways of maintaining themselves. However, there is a variant to this in cases where the individuals are well motivated and want to continue working. Some of the aging changes that affect an individual’s work-life include: change of goals or career objectives, health, social behaviour and cognitive abilities. These changes might be influenced by work or by the environment the individual is exposed to. Exceptions to such changes occur when the individual under focus is well remunerated and motivated by the kind of job they do. Hobbies play a great role in this keeping the individual focused and motivated. Appreciating the fact that older workers cannot be compared to the newly employed is important in ensuring that these individuals feel appreciated within the society. References Ackerman, R. K. (2004). Aging, Adult Development nad Work Motivation. Academy of Management Review, 440-458. Freeman, S. C. (1993). A Perspective on Career Development. Journal of Career Development, 255-264. Ilmarinen, J. (2001). Aging workers. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 546-547. MetLife Mature Market Institute. (2006, April 12). Publications. Retrieved November 30, 2014, from MetLife Mature Market Institute: https://int.www.metlife.com/assets/cao/mmi/publications/studies/mmi-living-longer-working-longer.pdf Alley, D., & Crimmins, E. (2007). The demography of aging and work. Aging and work in the 21st century, 7-23. Lazarus, R. S., & DeLongis, A. (1983). Psychological stress and coping in aging. American Psychologist, 38(3), 245. Baltes, P. B., & Willis, S. L. (1977). Toward psychological theories of aging and development. Handbook of the psychology of aging, 128-154. Appendix Interviewer (I): First, let’s start by me asking if you currently work? Participant (P): Yes, I do because without work you can’t have anything. You have to pay bills. Even if you don’t want to you have to work that’s how life is. I: well, can you tell me about your current job and how long you been there? P: God I rather not (laughing). I work at school teaching kids. This is my professional career. (Sign) I work at a polish school teaching history, geography and polish language on Friday and Saturdays. Ugh this is only a coma not a whole sentence tell me say it like that because for my bread and butter I work very hard. (Laughing) And what else you want me to tell you? I: Can you tell me about your first job that you had? P: Dear mother of god! I came here without knowing the English language. And of course no one helped even though they told me people in America help you. No one helped me at all and I came here with a child. I was working 3 jobs right away. I was working in a restaurant and I was working at ugh night at a bank. Because I had no choice, I had to pay bills by myself and I had a child that needed to go to school. I: And in Poland what kind of job did you do? P: In Poland I was working in the artistic field my whole life. My degree from Poland was useless in the states. There was nothing I could have done with it here. I could not transfer any of my diplomas for the American equivalent because it’s not that easy especially since I was by myself forced to count on the mercy of others and you can only work physically here wasting your life. Nothing else! It’s not true that people in America are successful. Numerous people wasted their lives here and I know such people. I can cite professors, doctors, (sniff) that came here and they were humiliated so badly to the point they became mentally sick. And of course his wife was begging him and of course she was cleaning houses – a doctor! Ummm and he was sick for many years and finally came out of it and he managed to transfer his diploma however not to be a doctor but to be a nurse. Very talented man! I: What types of jobs did you have in your life? P: In my life? My whole life I worked in the artistic field. I was choreographer, director, of course I was managing the community center. I was organizing concerts-international and domestic ones. I was participating in all kinds of festivals. This was my professional career. And I came here (laughing) I can say as a domestic help. My English language is like it is. I learned it a bit but however I wasn’t learning it in details because I did not have time because I had to earn a living. And what we make here without knowing the language at the older age unfortunately is now enough to make ends meet and allow yourself go to school because you have do something else and there are chores you need to do at your house as well. I: Hmm. What was your favorite job? P: Mine? Here? I: No, overall in your whole life? P: The one where I was working in the community center was my favorite job. I was able to paint, this is my favorite thing to do is paint – of course not buildings but paintings! I was able to fulfill my poetic talents by writing books. And here I publish books as well. But here I write and publish books and lots of them however I am not getting paid for it. I have started many clubs such as “Zrzeszenie Literatow imenia Jana Pawla II” (Writers association in the name of John Paul II) which I am the president of and I work in a Picha theater, and I do a lot of interesting things but everything is not to support myself financially but as a hobby. For my soul. If I had known the language or come from a different culture someone might have found an interest in me but in reality I have to work hard. Yeah. I: Tell me how you decided on that career in the community center in Poland? P: How I decided? I: Yes. P: I decided on it when I was a child. I: That was your dream? I: Yes it was my dream since childhood. I was auditioning for a ballet school however my mom didn’t approve of me being a ballerina. I: She didn’t approve? So that was supposed to be that other profession? P: Yes but I still do that. I know how to dance. I learned how to dance, I taught kids in Poland how do dance, I had my own beautiful dance groups. Here as well I had 3 dance groups. But here there is a lot of competition. Those who came here earlier founded those groups and have sponsors and those who came after them have no chance to accomplish what the others did. Plus I do not know how to push yourself through life using elbows and feet and shoving people out of the way. And in this country those who push forward no matter who they step on are the ones who will succeed, those who can kick, steal and lie can accomplish it and me? I couldn’t do either. And you can’t live here being honest. I: How did you juggle family and career? P: I was able to manage it. I took my kids on the road with me. All over the world. That’s how it was. I don’t regret it because now there is people coming from Poland bringing me medals, diplomas and trophies for all the patriotic work I send to Poland and the meeting I organize. All from Poland because of what I write for the polish people here in states and what I send to Poland as well. I: which career has been rewarding to you? P: Which career? I wouldn’t call it a career. I would say this is more of my hobby. The people I would consider made a career would be Bocelli. Right? Or the other one. What was his name? The one that passed away? The one that was singing so beautifully. Remind me of his last name. I: The obese one? P: Yes, the obese one. I: I know which one. (Meaning Luciano Pavarotti) P: I can’t think of his name. Now his work I would call a career. International success. But little accomplishments here and there. (Yawning) Once you are death no one will even remember your little accomplishments. Although I am listed in the Polonia encyclopedia. And my whole biography in the encyclopedia that just came out in 2014. Something is going on with my ears. It’s starting to clog my ears. I: Oh no! P: Maybe blood pressure or I don’t know. I: So that job was the most rewarding? P: Most artistic. My whole life. Since I was a kid, I was painting, writing poems, dancing, and singing. Since I was a kid and this is my profession. If I didn’t come here I am sure in Poland I would accomplish a lot more. (Smacking lips) although I can’t complain here I accomplish a lot of things too. Because it’s not like that, I am just not getting paid for it here. I: And in Poland you were financially rewarded for it? P: In Poland that was my profession work. And here the only compensation I get is when I get flowers along with someone praising the work I do. This is a thank you I get (laughing). I: How many hours did you work? P: In Poland? I: Yes. P: Nonstop. Because I worked in the community center and I also lived there. I: Oh yeah? P: Yes. I woke up a 7 am running to the office to answer the ringing phones. After that the corkers came in, I had to go and take care of something always, than the teens were coming in for rehearsals. Or I would get in my car and drive to rehearsal wherever they took place. I: what kind of rehearsals were they? P: Theater, dance I: Everything? P: Ummm Hmmmm I: Would you say your career choices strengthened your social circle? P: Social circle? That one. The only one job in the artistic field. Through painting, poetry, dance, music-all in one. Here in Chicago I organize for the past 17 years “Dozynki” (Harvest Festival), “Jaselka” (Christmas play about the birth of Jesus Christ), and poetic meetings. Others make money for that because I know. Parents pay money for their children to participate in those plays so they have to go and organize them (yawning) Excuse me. Parents do not really want to bring kids to learn for free (laughing) even though I can teach their kids more than the others. That’s how it is. I: Would you say those friendships you have developed through your career are long term? P: When I go back to visit Poland they exist nonstop. We keep in touch via internet, Facebook. They write to me how they got married, that they have grown kids. When I come they call my son to ask if I came so we can met up. I: But there is no one particular person that most positively influenced your life? P: Well I stopped with time. I have grandkids, and kids, I don’t feel like keeping in touch. I had a lot of friends, here as well. But I told myself to move away. I: Is there any desire to change that? P: A person is getting older, the life experience, and all kinds of stresses, and a person gets to know what people are all about and a person start removing themselves from that environment or person. I, myself chose to distance myself from people. I came to the conclusion that I rather write a poem, publish a book, and at least there will be some legacy after me. Right? I rather take a paint brush and paint a painting so it will please my eye. I have no desire to go visit people. I rather be at home. I: You rather be at home? P: Yes. Although you should visit people and not distance yourself from them. It’s not good. I: Although an older adults has control on choosing who they dedicate their time to. It’s not about quantity it is about quality. P: Of course. And want to rest. But the main issue is you have no desire. When people are two faced, fake and you can’t change them what do you need friends like that for? I: Do you have any plans on stopping or slowing down your career? P: Yes I would love to put my feet up in front of TV and not work however you can’t. Here you have to work until you die. Otherwise you can’t pay your bills. You have to get up in the morning and go to work. There is no choice. I didn’t go to a doctor 17 years. I work and pay my taxes and I haven’t been to a doctors’ once. I don’t have health insurance if I would get sick it would be a catastrophic. I: I know. P: and this system thinks everything is ok. That America is an amazing country, That they take care of their people. Maybe they do protect but I don’t know who? Once I turn 65 years old I will be so sick that I won’t have the desire to go and wait in line for 5 hours at the cook county office because I will never have health insurance with what I make. I have no chance. Zero. When you make 300-400 a week what kind of salary is that. That’s nothing. I: Maybe you qualify for Public Aide P. Yes for that I qualify. I: What would you say you know about living a happy and successful life that you didn’t know when you were twenty? P: Oh yeah? I didn’t know people are two faced, fake, I didn’t know that. I was honest, I was a go getter, and I trusted people completely. Even when I came to America I still trusted people from beginning to end, it took me 10 years to finally learn how awful people are. I started observing them and noticing “wow you say one thing one minute, a minute later another thing and I said you already said this and now you saying something else. What are you talking about?” And that person completely denies everything he said saying he never said it. They deny it right in your face. They lie. This is a tragedy. If I had this brain that I have now and be 20 years old I would defectively make a huge career. I would pursue finances. I would become a computer programmer. Because now days it’s all about the computers. That’s where the money is at. Nobody looks at artists. Who? If you do not have connections you can’t succeed nowadays. And that’s everywhere. It’s disgusting. Read More