Boomer Career Advice That Doesn't Work Anymore! 

It's amazing how times have changed. College degrees were once a golden ticket, but now it's just a massive debt trap for many. Love how this video sheds light on the real situation!

Registered Nurse 35 years. My degree served me well. Worked hard. 34 years same job. Saved 401k and will be retiring in January 25!

Things certainly have changed. My dad retired from Kraft Foods in the early 70's. He got the watch (Omega Speedmaster) and his pension as promised. The world of today has changed for the worse. Back in the early 90s my wife and I lived in the LA area of California. My wife worked for a voice messaging company that was headquartered in San Francisco. They changed their headquarters to Atlanta. Homes in LA were a rip-off compared to home prices in Atlanta so she submitted a transfer to the Atlanta office and her transfer was accepted. While the car carrier and the moving van were in transfer, the Atlanta office out of the blue said all hiring and job transfers were frozen. In other words, even though all of our possessions and a car were in transfer across country, my wife didn't have the job. We also bought a home about 40 minutes north of Atlanta. My wife was fortunately friends with the company CEO. He was stunned that the Alanta office would pull this kind of crap. He told them my wife has the job. I have found the Atlanta corporate culture to be riddled with heartless BS.

After being retired for a year, I’ve come to the conclusion that I had completely wasted my life spinning my wheels “working” for all those decades. The only time working paid off was when I owned my own business. Working for someone else is the best way to get nowhere fast.

At my old job, my supervisor resigned to take another job and instead of offering to promote me into his position or at least a competitive chance to apply for it on an open announcement they basically just handed all his responsibilities to me on top of the work that I already had. I worked in that capacity for over four years and at a certain point I realized that no matter how loyal you are or how much work you do they don't care. Remember, to save your loyalty for yourself and your family the ones that will be with you for the rest of your life.

I'm 66, been screwed over so many times by company's. And you nailed it on the head!!

I feel your pain. I spent 25 years in government employment and I experienced everything you're talking about. At 52, I got punked on a promotion and that was the last straw. I went into truck driving. I finally look forward to going to work everyday.

At my last job, people were most likely to be promoted if they were friends with boss.

My parents were part of what we called the "Kodak Generation" in Western NY where you sold your soul until you retired and the company took care of you with healthcare and retirement for the rest of your life. I was raised with this work ethic and dedication. Then I realized the field of education bleeds you dry for final pay and quality of life. I ended up bouncing around a bit, increasing my pay and benefits by moving on to different position. However, I will never have a decent retitement. At this point, I see myself staying in a position for 5 years or so before moving on. However, I can say that my grandfather worked for an infrastructure company until the 1980s. It was bought out by a German company in the 90s. It honored his retirement plan after he died and ended up paying for much of my grandmother's medical care 25 years later (she had kidney failure due to medical error). It would never happen with an American company.

My sister went to school to be a vet tech. She graduated. Now she sells auto parts. I went to a trade school, got my CDL. Drove 2 million safe miles, no tickets, no accidents. Now I dispatch other drivers from home. Make the same in a week as I did in a month as a driver.

My silent generation Dad was laid off, 5 years prior to retirement. He lost out on a third of his pension, after 25 years. So, for 25 years I worked contract, made big cash, banked half. Walked away from the rat race at age 55.

As a boomer who us still working, everything you've said is true. I found out that working for the government offers the most protection, well until the government fails. Love your channel and wisdom!

Love the high quality of your video. Laying down some truths today! That was some hard earned wisdom.

I'm a boomer and that was The Greatest Generation. That's what I was told (and ignored). I did get a BS and MS but no debt. My son became a fireman at age 20 and is retiring with a full pension in 2 years (at 40) and owns a business!

There is no more loyalty in corporations. The corporation I retired from targeted those with more than 10 years experience because they were more expensive with payroll, PTO and insurance. They were so cruel to them that most just left. We actually had ambulances coming regularly for employees having anxiety/panic attacks at work.

My corporate America story is horrible, they dumped another person's job onto my duties. Same pay, double work.

I'm 67 and have been totally screwed over in just the ways you said. In fact, I recently quit a job because it simply wasn't worth doing anymore. They had managed to reduce my "contact hours" but kept my actual time put in as the same, so I got less money for the same amount of work, and never any benefits. Never stay in something you don't like "as is" if you don't see anyone around you actually "moving up" or getting the changes they would like. I remember when trade schools got defunded in the 80s and so many closed. This was a HUGE mistake to society!

I absolutely relate to this woman. She has explained every experience that I have been through. It's nice to know that somebody else has gone through it so I don't feel like I'm the only one that's gone through it. I remember working a job where for almost a whole year and a half I worked 12 hours shifts. There was absolutely no reason to be working any of that type of overtime they just kept it mandatory. Didn't even get paid well either. But it got to the point where the manager had no idea what was going on to the floor started micromanaging and singling people out including me. Because orders were never filled because we were incredibly short staffed. I finally just went off on him and quit. That's after I've been called lazy, stupid, didn't even get a raise. Just all sorts of stuff. Also a little side note I find it amazing when you're the person taking on a lot of work and then you finally decide to step back and it's time for somebody else to pick up the slack your the problem now. Anybody else had that experience?

The guy that was fired that close to retirement has many recourses legally, because the company cannot just fire you two weeks before retirement and just get away with it. This has been tested in the courts over and over.

Don’t ever think you are not replaceable. You will be replaced in a heartbeat.

We got sold out to China for cheap socks and TV’s. Hopefully we can start to bring some jobs back

Yes, become a plumber, tile layer, window/door installer, kitchen countertop instaler. Another opportunity is electronic technician, know how to troubleshoot the circuit boards. You will be able to repair any electric car, charger, bicycle, air conditioning/heater control, elevator, industrial robot. You will always have a job if you have hands on technical skills that a robot can not perform.

I'm a boomer, and these are not my values. My husband and i worked to pay off debt and save. We talked to our children about budgeting and saving for retirement because defined contribution pension plans will fluctuate in value. I worked for a large corporation and rarely felt valued or secure in my job. I'm in agreement with the way you live a frugal life and share your wisdom with us.

As a Gen-xer, I can totally relate to having a great work ethic and being rewarded with more stress... not less.

There's an old cartoon from the 50s captioned : "Work hard, be a loyal employee, and you'll always be rewarded." (The picture shows a guy with a giant screw through him). The cynicism existed back then.

Couldn't agree more about loyalty. Be loyal to nobody but yourself.

I work at a hospital in the facilities department as an HVAC technician. They took away our pension and healthcare in retirement. Pay raises are no more than 2.5% even throw inflation is two or three times that amount. Every year my employer raises the amount they take out of my check for healthcare insurance, which makes that 2.5% raise meaningless. On top of that, our worthless union just raised our union dues 30%.

I’m a late Boomer who was told most of what you went over, but I finally figured out that no company gives a damn about their employees. All employees are just a means to an end and disposable. I did work my way up to supervisor at one company, but I hated getting my work done through other people, so it was a blessing when I was laid off after nearly 11 years. I told my son to get into a trade and not worry about the college racket unless he was going to shoot for a degree in a hard science. He got a certificate for HVAC and now he’s working in that field. I caught the tail end of the prosperity older Boomers enjoyed, so I’m not complaining. The employment scene and economy are quite different than when I was young; it has changed for the worse. I am truly sympathetic for those who are swimming in these toxic times, barely able to keep from drowning.

You are spot on!!!! I worked 30 years at the same company and the one time I got seriously hurt on the job I got railroaded. All the while they were pushing that company loyalty crap. And as far as promotions unless you were a bootlicker forget it.

graduated in august 2001 still stuck in call center work, I need prayers

YOU are the most honest person I have ever heard speak. Everything that you've said, sadly is very true. There are a few exceptions, but for the most part, it's exactly as you've said it, right to the core. [ Love Nala & Rocky ]

Preach! I agree 100%. I realized this a long time ago. I make more money because I job hopped. I always work 2 part time jobs in the same field instead of 1 full time and casually make it known so they know I have options and that I am not available on my days off. That will actually gain you more respect & freedom of schedule when they know they cant play around with you. I also gained more skills and experience, making myself a more valuable and desirable employee, that I would not have gained sticking with the same place. Also the harder you work the more they ask of you is SO true! Create boundaries and stick to them. They are not your family. They are not your friends. And yes they will forget your name when you leave. It's so very sad but true.

I've been at the same company for 36 years. They're VERY loyal and I started at $12,000 a year. I NOW make $80,000 a year. No degree, not in management.

Boomer here. It didn’t work for most of us, either.

Company loyalty only works towards them, never from them

I agree - philosophies that worked in the 1950-60s do not work now, and that started in the 1970's and manifested itself in the 1980s. One company I worked for - there was the highest financial productivity by me and the section for the entire year; and the corporation was making millions in profits. Yet I was told there were financial constraints in my annual review in which I was given a "met requirements" rating. My raise for the "year" (not month) was $0.11 (eleven cents - less than one penny per month). I was told by another employee that one reason for giving a "met requirements" rating is to justify not giving a raise.

I'm going to college to get my masters in archeology. Yes, I will be poor but I'm fascinated by this subject.

25,000 truck drivers at yellow freight all lost their pensions when they shut down. If you don't control it, you can't rely on it

I think we’re about the same age. Very similar career path. I’ve worked retail management and call center jobs primarily and what you are saying is spot on. My parents are boomers and I was taught everything you said about boomer advice from them and it got me no where. These days you gotta just look out for yourself, do what’s right for you and hopefully find a job that treats you decent but don’t think they will ever take care of you. I’ve learned the hard way you can be the top performer and in the end it means nothing.

Forced jabs or be fired showed their loyalty

I stayed 19 1/2 years, and was let go right before vesting a pension. Another trick they played was offering a promotion to a different hierarchy, which would cancel tenure benefits, as if I started over. 🤷‍♀️ They Do Not Care!

Every time I've 'stayed at a company', I've gotten laid off.

Graduated with a computer degree but struggled to find and maintain any computer industry career job. Ended up in retail, youth centers, etc. fubally decided one day to go into trucking. Lived it ever since. 5 years going strong. Never give up and never think you're stuck

PP, I am disappointed in you. You underestimate the intelligence of the boomer generation. Most of us are flexible and can adapt with the times. Not all of us would give such antiquated advice. Most corporations today only care only for their shareholders and not their employees. The generations below us are focused on the bottom line and nothing else. Plus we are acutely aware that our pensions and Social Security may not carry us through the rest of our lives. I am so sorry for your generation and beyond who are experiencing the decline of our society at an accelerating pace. By the way, I think you are an amazing young woman and I do love your channel. You always give great advice! This is the only time I have disagreed with you. Prayers and blessings from another Mama Lisa.

My daughter has quit her jobs every two years for a better job each time. Companies are not loyal to employees, so why should employees be loyal to a company. Some companies have lied about working hours, days, etc. Every man/woman for themselves!

Listen to her, she’s telling the truth

You hit the nail on the head!! Boomer here...my personal experience was just like you described.

Hard work equals more hard work. You will not get paid any additional.

I was involuntarily medically retired from a gov’t job. 8 years later, all I can say is THANK YOU for retiring me retire early!

I worked for a computer company for 25 years, then it got bought out. Overnight, the pension I had worked toward all that time disappeared. How does that happen? I got into their new 401K plan, but basically had to start all over for my retirement, at age 44.

Worked at the same company for 34 years. While the owner was alive I watched the “suck ups” pay homage to him and act as if they were loyal. Once he died they systematically tore the company apart. Literally it was leveled to the ground. They took their golden parachutes and left loyal employees hanging.

I am a state licensed water treatment operator. If I am out of work we are all in trouble, and very few people are coming into our field. If I knew about this earlier in life I would have went straight in it. Decent pay and benefits and not too hard of work

Boomer old woman here. NEVER trust ANYONE with your life or especially your MONEY. EVER. You will end up with NOTHING. Do what PP has done. Wish I had 50 years ago. Work your fingers to the bone, whadya get? Bony fingers.

It seems like sometimes real success comes from who you know, not what you know. One of the biggest advantages for kids that go to high end colleges is not the education that they get, that's important, but the main benefit is the contacts through other rich kids at school that they can call on for a job once they graduate. Being a member in a frat or a Sorority is a big plus in that world.

Lots of Boomers are crazy out of touch. Literally.

Don’t forget the pizza parties for employee appreciation! One slice please! It’s horrible everything is so corporate

Not a fan of working for companies. In the 80s I worked as a paralegal and asked for a raise after a couple years, which was denied. I quit. They had to hire 2 gals to replace me. lol

What you said is so true. My husband worked at a job for 19 years. Became department manager. Did a really good job. Never called off and worked tons of overtime. His workers all had only nice things to say about him. He actually filled in for every position there because they were always short handed. When plant manager positions came available they brought in people who knew nothing about the work there because they wanted him to stay in his position. After 19 years there they closed the place. His new job is the same way. They told him after training he was going to be supervisor. They told him last week he is doing better than any other department. He can't be supervisor because there is nobody to take his place plus his supervisor was supposed to be quitting but decided not to. They can't keep help any better than the last place. He's 61 years old and stuck at a job he hates. Nobody wants to hire you once you hit 60.

I am speechless. Thank you for being so real.

I totally agree. I tried to tell my parents that that is not how things work. They gave me bad advices as well.

I told my kids, “Decide what you want to do and get the education required to do it.” Most of them agreed. All of them are successful in their 40s-50s… by their own definitions of success.

I have a college degree. After working in my field for 34 years it became obsolete. I found another job starting at the bottom!

My husband started at the bottom as a surveyor in a small company and worked his way up in a global construction company that keeps moving him up and he makes over 6 figures no college. It’s possible.

I worked at a call center. I was only there a few weeks until I just got up from my seat, set my employee id badge down on the desk, and walked outside and never went back. Call centers are not a long-term career path with opportunities for advancement. They take advantage of young energetic naive people.

There are jobs that can't be sent overseas and are needed. Farmer, rancher, plumber, electrician- these people on average are over 55 and some skills the people are over 60- Look up Mike Rowe- he has scholarships for hands on skills.

I surely love and look forward to your videos. I depend on your common sense and how you articulate your thoughts. Blessings. I have a degree in Social Psychology and was working on a masters in educational psychology but couldn't complete it due to the economy. I have not worked in that field, at all.

You are correct. All the boomer rules went out the window In the 1980's and the window closed in the 1990's.

College is the road to success... I am so glad my son proved me wrong 10 years ago! He dropped out in the second year and never looked back...

Hard work does not pay off. You will be used and abused.

I learned it the hard way ! Companys see you not as a person but as a work horse or a work dunkey. Therfore: * I you work hard and eficiently you will be rewarded with more work. * Hard workers may be rewarded with an injured back or a hernia. * New generations are not stupid they just Underwood this things while still young therefore they don't want to work "normal" jobs.

So true! Spread the word girl! I have lived in one of those sinking ships for 15 yrs. Didn't get a hi or bye. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for sharing. Computer science degrees were really devalued with the influx of H1B visas and that is not slowing down at all. I just got lucky as i did have a finance degree minor and financial institutions just drool over people who can do sql, create BI reports, and understand and explain the pnl shortcomings so all they have to do is decide. Alot of things have changed because employment is now global. Only reason healthcare salaries are thriving is they can't teleport patients to another country.

Some of Dave Ramseys advice doesn’t even work anymore

I worked with a nurse once who worked at a hospital which still provided a pension. After 20 years at that job, she had $18,000 in her pension. You can't make up 20 years worth of pathetic retirement funds. Some of it is her fault for not changing jobs, or saving for retirement in other ways. She said she never really thought of it... because she knew she had a pension to take care of her in retirement.

You are very smart. I’m glad someone is talking some sense,it sure feels comforting.❤

Worked for a government dept from 1972 till 1996. I get a good pension. Allthough the cost of living has skyrocketed we still survive. Watching from zsouth Africa.

Absolutely right Prepper Princess! Companies are not loyal,so they do not deserve any of yours. Milk them for what they are worth as they do you. Unless you are in a large union, you are on your own. It’s all business, all the time. I feel better now. 😊

Baby Boomers: Be loyal to your employer and you will be rewarded. Millennials and Gen Z: Be loyal to yourself and it will pay off.

Work hard & pay yourself. Buy not smoking cigarettes drinking alcoholic beverages excessive Lunches. & coffees Gambling. I lost everything three times. First was a divorce, I welcomed, then to loss of Job. # 3 loss of health in my 3rd loss. Never tap out. I'm still standing, very humble human

Back in the late 70s or early 80s, my grandfather's company tried to fire him and another fellow 4 months before their retirement, but they got a lawyer and the company reinstated them. They got lucky! My Grandpa was a great guy--he didn't even hold a grudge!

I remember an interview where, I was in demand. Previously, before I changed careers, I pretty much went through every scenario you described in this video and then some. At one time I worked 3 years without a single day off. This interviewer was giving me a speech about the work ethic. I was seething, but I kept a calm demeanor. Found out the pay was crap. I thanked the interviewer for their time and found another job. They called me for months, never even replied back. I have never had a problem with work, but I'm not a bargain.

We need to follow the example of the French- they handled employers like these quite interestingly during their revolution.

Old man here retired in the Southeast USA. (BOOMER 😁). I think the main point of this video is not so much BOOMER advice, it should be that: Times change, they always have and always will. You either change with it, or fall behind. 2:25. Number Two: The Only job I know of where you can start at the TOP and work your way down is a GRAVE DIGGER. Smile. 😱. Have a great day. .

Boomer here. You are absolutely right.

I have always been there just to do my job and leave. Nowadays they call it quiet quitting. I've never cared about the corporate ladder. I have a job I know how to do it get out of my way

this seems really cynical, but it's 100% true!

❤❤ that was cathartic! You are so right. I saw my mom worked at a business class resort for 28 years. 2 years from retirement, then the pandemic happens. First they ferloed her then they tossed her position. When they called everyone back they said she could come back as housekeeping at part-time for minimum wage and lose her benefits. Just like that her life's work was gone.

Thank you for calling this out. While I loved my colleague experience, I don't know why so many companies require degrees for admin work, etc. Great point about why so many jobs are open. Most people want to work, but yes, so many of these jobs aren't worth it And they're gearing up to take away more from us.

My aunt worked for Monroe Automotive where they made shocks for Fords for 19 1/2 years. 6 months before she was supposed to get her pension they laid her off. My husband has been a diesel mechanic for a trucking company that hauls for a Walmart distribution center for 18 years and has accrued more in his profit sharing plan than anyone else in the shop and has capped out on his accruing vacation time to where he gets almost 7 weeks a year, but no formal pensions. His company is so cheap that they don't even get a Christmas card.

You are so right! I'm a boomer and these rules haven't existed for at least 15 yrs. My pension will be $1,300/month and I am 60. Screw it, I'm retiring at the end of this year doing as little as possible during my time left. Luckily my pension is protected in a trust.

i am a baby boomer born in 1959 ,today is my 1st day of medicare,they forced us to have it,i enjoy your videos,thank you. I thought i was doing well until i found your channel.no matter what my bank account says i am grateful to have food housing and money left at the end of the month,

Everything you said is so true. I’m 52, I worked as an executive assistant for an aerospace company for 22 years and in the early years when I didn’t know any better and thought if I worked harder I’d get promotions, not true lol. Also I thought I would be at that company forever but there was a merger and our entire corporate office was laid off 😂I’m not naive about the pension either, I’m supposed to get a pension but I’m definitely not counting on that. I’ve seen so many people get screwed with pensions.

I am a baby boomer and you are right on with your thoughts. I would recommend to anyone young to become self employed. I did stay with my company for 44 years and do receive my pension.

Hard work is rewarded. Maybe not with the same employer, but the more skills you have the more valuable you are & can get increase wages if you switch jobs. The key is that you have to take on work that increases your skill set. Doing more the same work does not help. Best way to get head is to start your own business. Work for employers to gain skills & experience. When you can no longer increase your skills working for the employer, its time to find another job. Repeat until you can go independent as a small business owner. I recommend learning during your spare time what it takes to run a business. How payroll works, How taxes work, How do sales & marketing, etc. next Step with be to start taking on side gigs as small business, but keep the day job so you have something to fall back on. Another alternative is to get a part time job when you are starting a small business so you have some income or to fill in gaps (ie slow periods or waiting on the a customer or materials need to start a project). Run the small business out of your home\apartment if you can to avoid business expenses like rent.

I feel your bitterness and can completely relate.

The world is changing, fast, and that is the first lesson people need to learn. People need to stop being so static in their belief systems. I got my college diploma in 1991 and I have had a glorious 30+ year programming career (what a difference 10 years makes). A little over 10 years ago I realized the seismic shift in the world and I started making 2 statements. Even though I have had a wonderful career in computers, I would not advise it for teens/youth today. There are far too many requirements for programmers today and often too little pay. Back in my day, if you could turn on a computer you got the job. You could have a 30+ year career relying on just one language. Not today. Over 10 years ago I also started saying that, GenX, my generation, would be the last generation where the vast majority enjoyed home ownership with land. I didn't foresee the house prices go up so much, but I did see the shift to condos and average smaller living unit spaces.

Comments from a 70 year old. The GAME has changed. Companies aren't loyal and the head office doesn't care. You are the only person who can gain the skills to get the next better job. Always always look for what you can learn. Be versatile - have enough experiences in case you have to jump into a different field . And do everything in your power to stay fit and healthy - a company isn't going to hire you if they don't think you can work. OR figure out how you can be self employed and have enough assets to support your lifestyle. You are your own best asset. Baby boomers haven't realized they had it easy and mostly out of touch with today's workforce realities ... which is why at age 70 I'm not voting for anyone over 50.

Your advice was exactly what I needed today. Literally just lost my job about 4 hours ago after a decade of giving my all to the company. I was in a meeting, they pulled me out, and said they had eliminated my position. I’ll be doing things differently from now on. Thanks for the amazing advice!

You just reminded me of how very much I enjoy retirement

One more thought, if you are over 50 and lose a job. Expect to become self employed. The top management at EVERY company believes that a fresh 20 something knows more, and will advance their technology faster. AND they will get a willing maximum OT labor, who will not challenge their decision or authority, with entry level pay.