[Publib] Re: jobs (and "old" librarians)

[Sue Bowser]

The price one pays for pursuing any profession or calling is an intimate
knowledge of its ugly side.
  - James Baldwin

Somehow today’s quote seems appropriate after the discussion over the last
few days.  

First, for the person who pointed out that this is a situation that has been
going on forever, I have to concur.  When I was a sweet 25 year old with my
brand new Pitt MLS my first job was replacing an 80 year old.  Two other
women who worked at that library continued to work until they were 80.
Should they have retired at 65? No, they were still bright and energetic.
Should they have retired at 75?  One yes, one no. 

Second, it is a fact that many of us are not going to retire at 66.  Some
will stay longer because of money concerns.  Others, like me, still love the
job and are learning and doing new things, so this old broad (61) isn’t
planning on quitting until the job is no longer fun or I’m no longer good at
it.  I have told a younger coworker that when I start getting crotchety she
has my permission to hit me over the head with a two by four and put me and
everyone else out of my misery. She, however, has pointed out that, no
matter how valuable a service to mankind, it would still be considered
murder and she doesn’t want to end her days in the state pen.

Next, can we all agree that young and old librarians are like people
everywhere or in any profession?  Some continue growing and remain
enthusiastic while others were old fuddy-duddies when they were 10. It’s not
age, it’s attitude.

Finally, I’m not the most technologically knowledgeable person around, but I
do know that what we post on this list is accessible to anyone with an
Internet connection.  Do some of us really want a potential employer or
employee reading some of the recent postings?

Sue Bowser
A public librarian in Pennsylvania (I wouldn’t want anyone to think these
ramblings are the views of my library, plus, if I am found bludgeoned to
death I don’t want the police to have an easy time tracking down my
coworker.)


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