The Day I Became Invisible

I was trying to remember the exact date that I became invisible.

I think it was during the Covid pandemic.  When many people lost their jobs or conveniently became redundant.  At least that was what I had been telling myself.

Actually, I’m pretty sure I started to become invisible when I joined the 60+ club.  You know, that club where us “older” professionals hang out, reminiscing about the good old days.  That place where what we “used to do” is somehow no longer of value.  Where the patina of getting older is not valued like it is on antiques, where things increase in value as they age.  A club like Hotel California where you check in but you can never leave.

One day I was “someone” – the next I wasn’t.

One day I was earning more than most – the next day I wasn’t.

One day my phone was ringing – the next day it went silent.

One day my ego was in tact - the next it was humbled.

It’s taken quite a while for me to come to terms with this.  To be comfortable knowing that the road ahead is unfamiliar and the destination unclear. 

To be comfortable knowing that opportunities to share my wisdom, experience, knowledge are not plentiful and that’s okay.  Even though the 30+ years have put more tools in my tool box than most.

It’s why The Experience Group was formed.  Born from personal frustration and disappointment in a time where new and shiny is more attractive than…well…not so new and shiny.

If you ever feel invisible, know there is another club you can join.  It’s the club of Ageless Explorers where curiosity and adventure, contribution and creation, are the cornerstones.

I want to look back at age 90 or 100 and say, I lived the exact life I wanted.

How about you?

What are you doing with the long runway you still have ahead of you?