How times change!
How times change!
When I was a lad … it seemed that the dream was to work until 50 and then have endless, bountiful leisure time safe in the knowledge that money was no object and one could fulfil one's heart's desires. Of course, that was a little utopian – but many people in the last ten or 20 years have pretty much played out that dream. Recently, the tide has turned. The UK Government has recently announced its intention to stamp out ageism at work – preventing companies from having compulsory retirement before the age of 70. (Though this is dressed up as being altruistic, inclusive and inherently fair – it looks as though the "pensions timebomb" might be a major motivator.) At the same time, the UK Confederation of British Industry has suggested we should all work longer hours. Now, I like my job, but …
