I am turning 50.
It is weird to turn 50, as it is just a number. Mentally, I still feel 25, but I am wise enough to know I am not still 25.
There are times when I can fit in well with younger co-workers and friends, and other times when the age divide, views on life, and different takes on work are all too evident. A case in point is when I talked with my chief of staff, Alex, who is in his early 30s, about some issues we were trying to correct before releasing them to the public. I was talking to him about how important it is to get this right. If we didn't, we would end up "living in a van down by the river," referencing Matt Foley, a motivational speaker from the hilarious SNL skit by the comic genius Chris Farley.
I asked him jokingly, "You don't want to end up living in a van down by the river, do you, Alex?"
He replied: "That depends on what kind of van and what river."
I laughed, but his response made me think. Deep down, I knew he was serious. I thought about his comment on my drive home. Alex's response reminded me of the Brazilian story of the fisherman and how that could apply to our current beliefs about work today. Let me re-tell my modern version of the story.
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A 30-year-old graphic designer once stood by a pristine mountain river tossing his fly fishing line back and forth, trying to land it in the perfect spot to draw the attention of some large rainbow trout. Behind him was his van, which he converted to a campervan with all the comforts of home. His wife was inside preparing breakfast for their 2-year-old son before she started her day as a book editor and homeschooling mom.
As he fished, he saw a well-dressed older gentleman approach and ask about the fishing in this spot. As the conversation continued, Alex learned that the man was a business executive here for a corporate leadership retreat at the swanky lodge near where Alex was fishing. After talking for a while, the business executive became impressed at the 30-year-old's operation and how he did freelance work through sights like Fiverr and was quite a talented designer. Intrigued by Alex's unique lifestyle and impressed by his graphic design skills, the business executive became captivated by the idea of harnessing Alex's talent to create an entire organization of graphic designers scattered across the country and how Alex could stop in and oversee them with his camper van.
Excitedly, the executive shared his vision with Alex.
"So what would that entail?" asked Alex.
The businessman replied: "When you have saved enough money, you could buy better computers, hire more designers, and generate more revenue from graphic design. You can incorporate your company, create your own production company, expand into multi-media production, and grow your distribution network.
By then, you can build your family a big house in the suburbs or a great penthouse in a skyscraper and oversee your business enterprises, manage your designers, and set up other branches."
"So what's in it for me?" asked Alex.
The businessman was perplexed by Alex's question as he had just painted a vivid picture of success and financial abundance. So he began highlighting the freedom and flexibility such an organization would offer and informing Alex that he could eventually retire and travel the country with his family. He could nap with his wife, play with his kids all day, fish in the country's great rivers and national parks, and spend the evening around the campfire under the stars with his family.
Alex smiled at the businessman with a look of gratitude and sympathy for the businessman and asked him.
"Isn't that what I am doing now?"
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Work is changing. Views on work are changing. Opinions on career, success, and the American Dream vary greatly, especially now with four generations in the workforce. These conflicting views can lead to problems, loss of productivity, and the loss of top talent. All of which I discuss in my new book "I QUIT! Winning the War for Top Talent, available for pre-order here.
My views on many things have changed over my last 30 years in the workforce (and life, for that matter). Our ability to succeed in our businesses and careers depends on recognizing where others are in their journey toward their version of success and our duty as leaders to help them achieve it. If you want to retain top talent or grow your organization, it is imperative that you first understand the paradigm shift that is underway in the workforce.
I would love to know your thoughts or how your views on work have changed. Please drop me a comment below. Make Matt Foley proud, and reward yourself with some cheese from a can!
All my best,
Scott
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